Looks like bad news for Tiger Woods fans as the 14-times major champion withdrew from the Honda Classic.
Golfing great, Tiger Woods announced on Feb. 11 that he was taking a much needed break to work on his game. According to Reuters, tournament organizers confirmed on Thursday, Feb. 19, that Woods will not be competing in next week's Honda Classic at Palm Beach Gardens in Florida.
The announcement does not come as a surprise as Woods declared on his website on Feb. 11 that he is considering not playing the Honda Classic and will only return to action once he gets his game in shape.
"Right now, I need a lot of work on my game, and to still spend time with the people that are important to me," Woods said. "My play, and scores, are not acceptable for tournament golf."
Woods admitted he would like to play The Honda Classic as not only it's a tournament in his hometown, but also because it's important to him; however, he added that he won't be there unless his game is tournament ready. Although it's not fair to anyone, he says he will be playing again very soon.
It clearly looked like it would be later rather than sooner. Woods said that he enters a tournament to compete at the highest level and when he thinks he is ready, he will be back. He said, he is committed to getting back to the pinnacle of his game.
Honda Classic media director Gary Ferman told Reuters, "His manager spoke to us this afternoon and told us that Tiger will not play next week."
According to Lohud.com, his agent confirmed in an email that he would not be playing the Honda Classic. Woods, who had back surgery last year, has played just two PGA Tour events this season. The golfing icon had a career-high 82 in the Phoenix Open and missed the cut by 12 shots. Citing tightness in his back, he withdrew after 11 holes the following week at Torrey Pines. Woods said that was not related to back surgery he had last spring.
Woods, who is No. 66 in the world, will not be eligible for the World Golf Championship at Doral. His absence from the Honda Classic raises questions about his ongoing health as well as his prospects of competing in the first major of the year, the April 9-12 Masters.
