Tiger Woods pulls out of The Masters

Tiger Woods has announced he will not be playing in the 2017 Masters at Augusta National, citing on-going back issues and not being tournament ready.

This year the Masters is marking 20 years since he became the youngest ever winner with a 12 shot victory to win his first major as a professional – and would have also marked his 20th appearance as a professional in the event.

Earlier in the week there was speculation he would be play following the release of the interview time schedule that named him, but he has since dashed hopes of a speedy return.

It is now clear Tiger won’t be teeing it up at Augusta National, and for the second time this year has said that there is no timetable for his return.

“Unfortunately, I won’t be competing in this year’s Masters,” Tiger Woods announced on his website.

“I did about everything I could to play, but my back rehabilitation didn’t allow me the time to get tournament ready. I’m especially upset because it’s a special anniversary for me that’s filled with a lot of great memories. I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since I won my first green jacket.”

Having returned to competitive action briefly in December and then again at the start of the year, it looked to likely Tiger was going to be back competing in 2017. But then he missed the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open and pulled out after one round of the Dubai Desert Classic citing back spasms.

While his team have insisted Woods has not been dealing with any serious issues, it is natural to wonder whether the problem is much more serious than we have been led to believe – given that he has since missed the Genesis Open, Arnold Palmer Invitational and now the first major of the year.

In a recent book tour, Woods appeared on television and underlined his desire to play, but once again golf fans and players are left questioning when he will come back after he battles through this latest injury. Sadly, Woods can’t give us that answer.

“I have no timetable for my return, but I will continue my diligent effort to recover, and want to get back out there as soon as possible. 

“I’d like to pass along my regrets to Billy Payne, the Augusta National membership, staff, volunteers and patrons, that I won’t be there. I will be at the Champions Dinner and I look forward to seeing a lot of old friends.

“Augusta National has been a very important place to me and my family for over 20 years, and while I’m disappointed, it will be good to be back there Tuesday.”