LOS ANGELES: Fallen world number one Tiger Woods is taking a break from tournament golf in a bid to get his faltering game back in shape after the worst round of his career.
In a statement posted on his website, Woods said the last fortnight — which included a disastrous 82 at the Phoenix Open and a mid-round withdrawal at Torrey Pines — had been “very disappointing.”
Woods, who has plummeted to 62 in the world rankings, said the back pain that forced him to pull out after 11 holes of the first round at Torrey Pines wasn’t related to the surgery he had last year and that with daily physical therapy he was improving.
But he does not know when he will tee off again in a tournament, just the latest hiccup in a turbulent career marked by marital infidelity and mounting injuries.
“Right now, I need a lot of work on my game and to still spend time with the people that are important to me,” he said.
“My play, and scores, are not acceptable for tournament golf. Like I’ve said, I enter a tournament to compete at the highest level, and when I think I’m ready, I’ll be back.”
Woods, 39, said he still hoped to play the Honda Classic in Florida, which starts on February 26. That was his next scheduled start.
“But I won’t be there unless my game is tournament-ready,” he said. “That’s not fair to anyone. I do, however, expect to be playing again very soon.” (AGENCIES)
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