Tiger Woods has withdrawn from his planned comeback at this week’s Safeway Open, admitting he feels unsure whether he is in a position to compete against the world’s best.
Woods confirmed he would not play either in California this week, or in the Turkish Airlines Open on the European Tour in November as he continues his recovery from back surgery.
‘After a lot of soul searching and honest reflection, I know that I am not yet ready to play on the PGA TOUR or compete in Turkey,’ Woods said on his website. ‘My health is good, and I feel strong, but my game is vulnerable and not where it needs to be.’
More
Andy Murray’s private notes shown on TV
All smiles: Maria Sharapova returns to tennis court for first time since drugs ban
Tyson Fury set to be stripped of WBO world heavyweight championship belt
Woods, who has had three operations on his back over the course of the last two years, officially entered the PGA Tour event a few hours before last Friday’s 5pm deadline as he looked to make his first competitive appearance since August 2015.
The 14-time major winner said last month he intended to play the Safeway Open, the Turkish Airlines Open and the Hero World Challenge – which is hosted by his own foundation – in the Bahamas, but has now said his game is not ready.
He added: ‘When I announced last week I was going to Safeway, I had every intention of playing, or I wouldn’t __have committed.
‘I spent a week with the US Ryder Cup Team, an honour and experience that inspired me even more to play.
‘I practised the last several days in California, but after a lot of hours, I knew I wasn’t ready to compete against the best golfers in the world. I will continue to work hard, and plan to play at my foundation’s event, the Hero World Challenge, in Albany.
‘I would like to apologise and send my regrets to Safeway, the Turkish Airlines Open, the fans in California and Turkey and those that had hoped to watch me compete on TV. This isn’t what I wanted to happen, but I will continue to strive to be able to play tournament golf. I’m close, and I won’t stop until I get there.
Tiger Woods | Career Factfile
Age: 40
Major Victories: 14
Last PGA Tour app: August, 2015
Last PGA Tour win: Bridgestone Invitational 2013
World ranking: 786
The 40-year-old served as a vice-captain to Davis Love as the United States won the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine and will perform the same role for Steve Stricker at the 2017 Presidents Cup, if he fails to make the team.
‘I would like to apologise and send my regrets to Safeway, the Turkish Airlines Open, the fans in California and Turkey and those that had hoped to watch me compete on TV. This isn’t what I wanted to happen, but I will continue to strive to be able to play tournament golf. I’m close, and I won’t stop until I get there.’
No comments:
Post a Comment