Injury forces Woods out of The Open

I am only going to come back when I’m 100%, says Tiger

Withdrawn: The left knee injury that has dogged Tiger in recent years has ruled him out of The Open

Tiger Woods’ recurring knee injury has ruled him out of The Open Championship.

After consulting those treating his troublesome left knee, Woods reluctantly decided to withdraw from next week’s major at Royal St George’s.

Sidelined since The Players Championship in mid-May – where he was forced to retire after just nine holes – Woods reiterated that he would not be tempted into an early return for risk of further aggravating his long-standing injury.

“”In hindsight, I probably shouldn’t have competed at the Players, but it’s a big event and I wanted to be there to support the Tour,” he said.

“I’ve got to learn from what I did there and do it right this time and not come back until I’m ready. I think my best years are still ahead of me and I’m very confident and optimistic about the future.

“Unfortunately, I’ve been advised that I should not play in the British Open,” the former world No.1 said via his official website.

It is the second time in four years that Woods has missed The Open due to injury. A three-time champion – twice at St Andrews in 2000 and 2005 and at Hoylake in 2006 – Tiger missed the championship at Royal Birkdale in 2008 as a result of reconstructive knee surgery that was required after he played through the pain barrier to win the US Open a month earlier.

Woods was adamant that he would not be enticed into returning early again, despite the lure of major championships.

“As I stated at the AT&T National, I am only going to come back when I’m 100% ready,” added Tiger, who had been forced to withdraw from both the US Open and the AT&T – a tournament he hosts.

“I do not want to risk further injury. That’s different for me, but I’m being smarter this time. I’m very disappointed and want to express my regrets to the British Open fans.”

The 14-time major winner contacted R&A chief executive Peter Dawson personally to explain why he would be forced to miss the event.

The 35-year-old is recovering from the fourth knee operation of his career, the latest of which was needed following an awkward shot from under the famous Roosevelt tree at Augusta in April. Woods was diagnosed with a mild medial collateral ligament sprain to his left knee and a mild strain to his left Achilles tendon.

First reserve, Australian Brendan Jones, declined the invitation to replace Woods at The Open, meaning second reserve Jason Dufner of America will compete at Royal St George’s.

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered