Woods forced to withdraw from Players

World No.1 pulled out with neck injury in final round

Tiger Woods pulled out of The Players Championship with a neck injury – his first withdrawal since 2006.
The world No.1 managed to play seven of his final 18 holes at Sawgrass, before calling for an official following his next tee shot. While he was still able to play his second shot, Woods shook hands with playing partner Jason Bohn before taking his leave from the field of play.
Two-over-par for the day and two-under-par for the tournament, Woods was playing just his third event of the year after a significant lay-off period while he dealt with personal matters relating to his extra-marital affairs.
“I’ve been playing with a bad neck for about a month,” said the 34-year-old, who was seen to throw his shoe down in frustration while being questioned by three reporters following his withdrawal.
“I’ve been playing through it. I can’t play through it any more. I’m having a hard time with the pain – there’s tingling down my fingers.
“Setting up over the ball is fine, but once I start making the motion it’s downhill from there.”
Woods, who spent almost three quarters of an hour in a physical therapy trailer before leaving Sawgrass, revealed he now plans to have an MRI scan to assess the damage.
“They want me to go get a picture on it next week. I might have a bulging disc.”
However, when given the opportunity to discuss the injury at a press conference following his third round, Woods dismissed concerns saying, “No, zero. Absolutely 100 per cent.”
The American was also subject of crowd abuse over the weekend, with one young boy calling after the 145-time major winner: “Tiger, say to long to No.1. Kiss it goodbye.”
Having missed the cut last week at Quail Hollow, this latest blow could ruin his chances of holding onto the coveted No.1 spot, with Phil Mickelson hot on his heels.

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