Injured Woods doubtful for the Masters after withdrawing from the Arnold Palmer Invitational because of back problems

By Mike Dawes

PUBLISHED: 17:32 EST, 18 March 2014 | UPDATED: 01:23 EST, 19 March 2014


Tiger Woods is facing a race against time to be fit for the Masters after withdrawing from the Arnold Palmer Invitational with lingering back spasms.

This was scheduled to be Woods's last tournament before the season's first major next month. It is one he has won on no fewer than eight occasions, including last year, and the 38 year old made no attempt to hide his disappointment at such a bitter blow.

Head in hands: Tiger Woods is a doubt for this year's Masters due to an ongoing back problem

Head in hands: Tiger Woods is a doubt for this year's Masters due to an ongoing back problem

Defending champion: Woods has won the Arnold Palmer Invitational tournament the last two years

Defending champion: Woods has won the Arnold Palmer Invitational tournament the last two years

'Unfortunately neither my back spasms or the pain has subsided, and I feel badly that I won't be able to play in the tournament,' said the world number one, in a statement on his website.

'I phoned Arnold personally to express my regret. It's too early to know about the Masters, and I will continue to be evaluated and work closely with my doctors.'

Injury-prone: Woods has only been able to compete in three events on the PGA Tour this year

Injury-prone: Woods has only been able to compete in three events on the PGA Tour this year

Fond memories: Woods (right) has won the Masters four times, with his first victory coming in 1997

Fond memories: Woods (right) has won the Masters four times, with his first victory coming in 1997

 

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In distress: Woods says he will 'work closely' with his doctors in order to try and be fit for the Masters in April

In distress: Woods says he will 'work closely' with his doctors in order to try and be fit for the Masters in April

Eyes on the prize: Woods has not missed a Masters since making his debut as an amateur in 1995

Eyes on the prize: Woods has not missed a Masters since making his debut as an amateur in 1995

For all his fitness issues over the years, the Masters is the one major in which Woods has an unblemished attendance record, having played in every one since he first competed as an amateur in 1995. During that time he has won four green jackets but none since 2005.

Woods first felt pain in his back during the final round of the Honda Classic in Florida three weeks ago. He played the following week at the WGC-Cadillac Championship but again was clearly not right on the final day.

Now there must be a grave danger his 20th Masters appearance will have to be put on hold. If that happens, don't be surprised if he decides to take an extended break to get his back right and isn't seen again until at least the United States Open at Pinehurst in June.

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is he the only golfer who spits on the golf course?

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He'll make the Masters. Weather it comes to fitness or tv ratings he'll be there, personally I think he carries to much top bulk. In comparison with lean built European based players who seem to swing and drive with ease on the PGA tour as apposed to Woods trying to lamp it.

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Every golfer owes Tiger Woods, he made golf popular and that increased the purse sizes. TV ratings sag when he's not in contention so it may seem unfair but who watches when he isn't in contention? It's a rhetorical question please do not reply.

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Ah the old injury excuse. What happened? Did he have a bad practice round or something?

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Tiger will be at the master!

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Good, at least the other p`layers won't have to putt around his spit.

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Hope he doesn't make it then the emphasis will be on the tournament and not the Woods Show

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Wouldn't miss him at all.

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I don't believe the Masters would be weaker without him... look at the last three winners, all ranked as outside shots. His reputation precedes him now given his majors draught and inconsistency on the course. We can all look forward to a bit of Tiger magic when he plays, however, I now think the Masters in particular showcases the fairytale win achieved by the ranked outsider not the brand name.

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This man won't miss the master. remember tiger is masters n masters is tiger. The masters went feel the same without him

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