Former World no. 1 Tiger Woods, a 14-time major champion chasing the all-time record of 18 won by Jack Nicklaus, said on Tuesday that he will not play in next week’s United States Open golf tournament.
Left knee and tendon pain has bothered Woods for the past month.
“Not playing in US Open. Very disappointed. Short-term frustration for long-term gain,” Woods posted on his Twitter microblogging website.
Woods was diagnosed with a Grade 1 mild medial collateral ligament sprain to his left knee and a mild strain to his left Achilles tendon in the third round of the Masters in April.
“I am extremely disappointed that I won’t be playing in the US Open, but it’s time for me to listen to my doctors and focus on the future. I was hopeful that I could play, but if I did, I risk further damage to my left leg. My knee and Achilles tendon are not fully healed. I hope to be ready for AT&T National, the next two majors and the rest of the year,” he said on his website.
He withdrew from last month’s Players Championship after managing to finish only nine holes but hoped to play in the US Open, which begins June 16 at Congressional Country Club in suburban Washington. — AFP