Hardly a major surprise, but still disappointing all the same.
Tiger Woods has revealed that he will not be participating in the first golf major of the year, the US Masters, at Augusta this week.
Woods, who was won the competition on four previous occasions, hasn’t played a PGA Tour event since last August and has had two surgeries on a back problem that has troubled him for a considerable time.
The 14-time major winner posted on Twitter last night to confirm his absence from this year’s Masters, saying that he is not physically ready to compete in an event which gets underway in Augusta on Thursday.
https://twitter.com/TigerWoods/status/716053811157213184
Woods is planning on attending the event and the traditional Champions Dinner at Augusta, but he will not play in a tournament he last won in 2005 and says he does not know when he will return to the PGA Tour in a playing capacity.
In a statement on his website, Woods said: "After assessing the present condition of my back, and consulting with my medical team, I've decided it's prudent to miss this year's Masters.
"I've been hitting balls and training daily, but I'm not physically ready. I've said all along that this time I need to be cautious and do what's best for my long-term health and career. Unfortunately, playing Augusta next week wouldn't be the right decision. I'm absolutely making progress, and I'm really happy with how far I've come, but I still have no timetable to return to competitive golf.
"I'd like to express my disappointment to Billy Payne, the Augusta National membership, staff, volunteers and patrons that I won't be competing. It's a very important and special week to me, and it's upsetting to miss it. I do plan to attend the Champions Dinner and see a lot of old friends.
"I'd like to thank the fans for their concern and support. The last few years have been difficult, but I have the best fans anywhere, and I want them to know that."
