For the first time in his professional golf career, in fact for the first time since he was in high school, Tiger Woods will not play in the Masters. The golfer made the announcement on his personal website today, saying that he underwent back surgery on Monday and will miss the event where he has won four green jackets.
“After attempting to get ready for the Masters, and failing to make the necessary progress, I decided in consultation with my doctors to have this procedure done, Woods said. “I’d like to express my disappointment to the Augusta National membership, staff, volunteers and patrons that I will not be at the Masters.
“It’s a week that’s very special to me,” he said. “It also looks like I’ll be forced to miss several upcoming tournaments to focus on my rehabilitation and getting healthy.”
Woods missed the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week for only the second time in his career. He had hoped the extra week of rest would allow him to sufficiently recover for the Masters.
“This is frustrating,” Woods said. “But it’s something my doctors advised me to do for my immediate and long-term health.”
Woods will need several weeks without bending or twisting his back and then will need some time to recover strength. He hopes to be back in time for the U.S. Open.
Tiger Woods first reported issues with back pain go back to the Barclays in 2012 when he reported twinges in his back. He also said that he experienced pain due to a “soft bed” at the PGA Championship last year, and a re-occurence of pain at the 2013 Barclays which he said was unrelated at the time.
Given the torque that Woods puts on his back each team he swings the club, it is easy to see where a recurring back injury could lead to big problems in his chase of Jack Nicklaus’ record 18 major victories. Woods is currently the number 1 ranked golfer in the world, but depending on how long he is out, could also lose that prestigious position.
“It’s tough right now, but I’m absolutely optimistic about the future,” Woods said. “There are a couple (of) records by two outstanding individuals and players that I hope one day to break. As I’ve said many times, Sam and Jack reached their milestones over an entire career. I plan to have a lot of years left in mine.”
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