Tiger Woods has announced he will be unable to play at the Masters this month after undergoing a back procedure on Monday.
The 38-year-old has been plagued with back issues on and off since last summer. Forcing him to withdraw from the Honda Classic on the final day as well as pulling out of last month’s Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Yesterday on his website Woods confirmed he had undergone a successful microdiscectomy for a pinched nerve in his back. The current number 1 stated the procedure was something his doctors felt was necessary for his immediate and long term health.
“After attempting to get ready for the Masters, and failing to make the necessary progress, I decided, in consultation with my doctors, to have this procedure done,” Woods said.
Although the timing calls into question his readiness for the remaining 2014 majors and the Ryder Cup later this year, Woods is scheduled to begin rehabilitation next week and hopes to be back on the course by the summer.
This latest injury represents an immense blow for the Nike player who was hoping to finally tackle his 15th major. But Woods is confident that he can overcome this latest setback.
Stating, “It's tough right now, but I'm absolutely optimistic about the future. There are a couple [of] records by two outstanding individuals and players that I hope one day to break. As I've said many times, Sam and Jack reached their milestones over an entire career. I plan to have a lot of years left in mine.”
