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Apr 1st, 2016
Tiger Woods out of the Masters
Back surgery recovery throws spanner in the works
Words: Tim Southwell Photography: Getty Images
Four-time champ Tiger Woods is out of the Masters because of his back injury.
Tiger, 40, hasn't played competitively since August and has had two operations in an attempt to cure the problem. He insists he is "making progress" but has put no timescale on his return to action.
"I've decided it's prudent to miss this year's Masters," said Tiger. "I've been hitting balls and training daily, but I'm not physically ready."
Former world number one Woods also pulled out of the tournament in 2014 with a back problem but did play last year, finishing 17th.
"I've said all along that this time I need to be cautious and do what's best for my long-term health and career," he added. "Unfortunately, playing Augusta next week wouldn't be the right decision."
"I'm absolutely making progress, and I'm really happy with how far I've come, but I still have no timetable to return."
The 14-time major winner, who has slipped to 472nd in the world rankings, will attend the Champions Dinner at Augusta National on Tuesday. So at least he'll get a free dinner out of it.
