Monday 16 March 2015 17:58, UK
Former World No 1 Tiger Woods has ruled himself out of next week's Arnold Palmer Invitational, but is still hopeful of returning to action in time to feature at the Masters.
Woods has not played since pulling out just 11 holes into last month’s Farmers Insurance Open, a week on from posting a career-worst round on his way to missing the cut at the Phoenix Open.
The 39-year-old, who is chasing Jack Nicklaus's record of 18 major championships, has plummeted to 79th in the world rankings after suffering a series of injuries and a severe slump in form.
The 14-time major winner complained of tightness in his lower back and stated he wouldn’t return to the PGA Tour until his game was ‘tournament ready’, with his absence from an event he has won on a record eight occasions raising further doubts as to whether he’ll feature at next month’s Masters.
“I spoke to Arnold today and told him that I will not play in his tournament this year,” Woods said via his website. “I'm sorry I won't be in Orlando next week, but I know it will be a really successful event.
“I've put in a lot of time and work on my game and I'm making strides, but like I've said, I won't return to the PGA TOUR until my game is tournament ready and I can compete at the highest level.
“I hope to be ready for the Masters, and I will continue to work hard preparing for Augusta. I want to thank everyone again for their support."
The annual tournament at the private resort of seven-time major winner Arnold Palmer regularly boasts a star-studded field, with world No 1 Rory McIlroy joining Bubba Watson and Henrik Stenson in committing to this year’s event.
In a statement, Palmer said: “Tiger called me personally to let me know that he wouldn’t be playing here at Bay Hill.
“He said that he’s not quite ready yet and that he was disappointed that he won’t be able to play in the tournament, which has always meant a lot to him.
“I’m sorry that he won’t be playing. We’ll certainly miss him, but I understand and appreciate he called me.”
The Masters, which Woods has won four times, is live from April 9 on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf.
