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Colin Montgomerie warns Tiger Woods against playing through back injury

Colin Montgomerie fears that Tiger Woods will "suffer" if he opts to play through back injury pain to feature in this week's US PGA Championship.

Colin Montgomerie believes that Tiger Woods could be risking his long-term fitness if he plays through back injury pain in this week's US PGA Championship.

The former world number one has until 10 minutes before Thursday's tee-off time to decide on whether to feature in the tournament.

The 38-year-old was forced to abandon Sunday's WGC-Bridgestone Invitational midway through the final round due to his back problem.

"How can he play again this year, never mind within three days?" Montgomerie told BBC Radio 5 live. "This is a big golf course and the rough is heavy again.

"He's hitting the ball, I hate to say, not straight. He will be in the rough and he will suffer. Whether it's good for his long-term future in the game to play here or not, I am not sure."

Woods returned to action in June after spending three months on the sidelines following back surgery.

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