Tiger out of US Open

Peristent knee injuries force Woods to withdraw from Congressional 

Withdrawn:Tiger Woods has been forced to withdraw from the US Open at Congressional due to a knee injury

Next week’s US Open at Congressional Country Club will be the first in over fifteen years not to feature Tiger Woods.

Three years on from his last major victory in the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, which he achieved despite a ruptured cruciate ligament and double stress fracture in his left leg, Woods has been forced to finally relent to his escalating injury problems and refrain from teeing it up in Maryland next week.

Tiger made the announcement via his website, admitting that he had hoped to recover in time for the major he has won three times in the past.

“I am extremely disappointed that I won’t be playing in the U.S. Open, but it’s time for me to listen to my doctors and focus on the future,” said Woods.

“I was hopeful that I could play, but if I did, I risk further damage to my left leg. My knee and Achilles tendon are not fully healed. I hope to be ready for AT&T National, the next two majors and the rest of the year.”

“I’m committed to my long-term health. I want to thank the fans for their encouragement and support. I am truly grateful and will be back playing when I can.”

On Twitter, Tiger revealed that the decision had been made with an eye on coming back stronger.

“Very disappointed. Short-term frustration for long-term gain,” said the 14-time major champion.

It was reported that Woods communicated his withdrawal to USGA executive director Mike Davis, who admitted that Tiger would be missed.

“We’re very disappointed that he won’t be playing in the National Open,” Davis told the Associated Press. “He certainly brings excitement to the event. He’ll be missed, but the U.S. Open will go on. The event is bigger than one player, but he certainly will be missed.”

Woods has not won a major since his incredible injury-defying play-off victory over Rocco Mediate at Torrey Pines. In the immediate aftermath of that triumph, he underwent knee surgery – the fourth of his career – and was out of action for the rest of the year.

Since returning, and amidst incredible personal strife, Woods has competed in nine majors, registering six top-10s. His last win of any kind came at Kingston Heath in the 2009 Australian Masters – just prior to the revelations surrounding his private life.

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