TIGER WOODS HAS pulled out of his planned comeback to the PGA Tour following a 14-month absence.
The 40-year-old released a statement on Monday saying he would not now play in this week’s Safeway Open in California, despite a PGA statement last week announcing his comeback.
The 14-time major winner has been out of action since undergoing surgery late last year to cure a long-standing back injury.
Woods was one of the US Ryder Cup assistant captains as the hosts won back the trophy off Europe just over a week ago at Hazeltine.
He said that helped whet his appetite for a return to playing himself, but admitted he is not yet at the level to compete against the world’s best.
“After a lot of soul searching and honest reflection, I know that I am not yet ready to play on the PGA TOUR or compete in Turkey. My health is good, and I feel strong, but my game is vulnerable and not where it needs to be,” he wrote.
“When I announced last week I was going to Safeway, I had every intention of playing, or I wouldn’t have committed. I spent a week with the U.S. Ryder Cup Team, an honor and experience that inspired me even more to play.
“I practiced the last several days in California, but after a lot of hours, I knew I wasn’t ready to compete against the best golfers in the world. I will continue to work hard, and plan to play at my foundation’s event, the Hero World Challenge, in Albany.
“I would like to apologise and send my regrets to Safeway, the Turkish Airlines Open, the fans in California and Turkey and those that had hoped to watch me compete on TV. This isn’t what I wanted to happen, but I will continue to strive to be able to play tournament golf. I’m close, and I won’t stop until I get there.”
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