The Masters 2017: Tiger Woods will miss out for third time in four years as he is ‘not tournament ready’ — 20 years on from first-ever major victory
TIGER WOODS has confirmed he will not compete in this year’s Masters due to ongoing back problems.
The four-time winner has not played since being forced to withdraw from the Dubai Desert Classic on February 3 back spasms.
Woods admits he did everything he could to participate in the tournament, but will miss the major for the third time in four years.
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: "Unfortunately, I won't be competing in this year's Masters.
“I did about everything I could to play, but my back rehabilitation didn't allow me the time to get tournament ready.
“I'm especially upset because it's a special anniversary for me that's filled with a lot of great memories.
“I can't believe it's been 20 years since I won my first green jacket.
"I have no timetable for my return, but I will continue my diligent effort to recover, and want to get back out there as soon as possible.
"I'd like to pass along my regrets to Billy Payne, the Augusta National membership, staff, volunteers and patrons, that I won't be there.
“I will be at the Champions Dinner and I look forward to seeing a lot of old friends.
“Augusta National has been a very important place to me and my family for over 20 years, and while I'm disappointed, it will be good to be back there Tuesday."
Woods won the last of his 14 majors at the US Open in June 2008 but has been plagued by injuries been forced to undergo knee and back surgery.
After 17 months out, he made his comeback in December but missed the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open in January.