Tiger Woods has announced that he will return to playing competitive golf when he is 'tournament ready'.
Woods lasted 11 holes in the first round of last week's Farmers Insurance Open before lower back pain forced him to retire early.
The 39-year-old also missed the cut at the Waste Management Phoenix Open with a 12-over-par 82 at TPC Scottsdale, which was his highest ever score as a pro.
"The last two weeks have been very disappointing to me, especially Torrey, because I never want to withdraw," Woods wrote on his official website. "Unfortunately, lately injuries have made that happen too often.
"This latest injury is not related to my previous surgery. I am having daily physical therapy and I am feeling better every day.
"Right now, I need a lot of work on my game, and to still spend time with the people that are important to me. My play, and scores, are not acceptable for tournament golf. Like I've said, I enter a tournament to compete at the highest level, and when I think I'm ready, I'll be back."
Woods's most recent spate of issues began after he had surgery last March to alleviate pain caused by a pinched nerve in his neck.
Steven Toplis
