Woods rules himself out of US Open

World number three Tiger Woods withdraws from the major event as he continues his recovery from back surgery.

Woods has been sidelined since March after requiring treatment for a pinched nerve in his back [Getty Images]

Tiger Woods has ruled himself out of next month’s US Open at Pinehurst in North Carolina as he recovers from back surgery, having already missed the opening major of the year, the Masters in April.

The former world number one has been sidelined from competitive golf since late March after requiring treatment for a pinched nerve in his back that had troubled him for months.

Tiger Woods’ year so far
  • World Golf Championships – March – tied 25th
  • The Honda Classic – March – withdrew after third round
  • Omega Dubai Desert Classic – January-February – tied 41st
  • Farmers Insurance Open – January – tied 80th, only completed three rounds

“Unfortunately, I won’t be there because I’m not yet physically able to play competitive golf,” Woods said in a statement on his website, referring to the June 12-15 US Open.

“The US Open is very important to me, and I know it’s going to be a great week. Despite missing the first two majors (this year), and several other important tournaments, I remain very optimistic about this year and my future.”

This will be the sixth major championship missed by Woods due to injury, and he remains stuck on his career tally of 14 having not clinched one of golf’s blue riband events since the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines.

Chasing Nicklaus’s record

Woods, who lost his world number one ranking to Australian Adam Scott while injured, has not won a major for six years as he chases Jack Nicklaus’s record of 18 major titles.

Woods has revealed the extent of his problems, revealing he struggled to get out of bed let alone play golf.

But he added that surgery had made a big difference, explaining that he felt “immediate relief” after the operation and was swimming and cycling to aid his rehabilitation.

The 38-year-old American has been increasingly plagued by injuries in recent seasons as the wear and tear of years on the tour are starting to take a toll.

Source: Reuters