Tiger Woods announces his decision on competing at the US Open

Brookline, Massachusetts - It's official: Tiger Woods won't be playing in next week’s US Open.

Tiger Woods announced he won't be competing in next week's US Open.
Tiger Woods announced he won't be competing in next week's US Open.  © USA TODAY Sports

The 46-year-old had to withdraw from the US PGA Championship in May after three rounds and does not feel ready for the next major of the year, which starts June 16.

"I previously informed the USGA that I will not be competing in the US Open as my body needs more time to get stronger for major championship golf," Woods said Tuesday on Twitter.

"I do hope and plan to be ready to play in Ireland at JP McManus Pro-AM and at The Open next month. I’m excited to get back out there soon!"

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The news comes as no surprise given how Woods struggled at Southern Hills last month, the 15-time major winner clearly dealing with pain in his right leg following the severe injuries he sustained in a car accident in Los Angeles in February last year.

Woods fought back from an opening 74 to shoot a second round of 69 in Tulsa and make the cut with a shot to spare, but then slumped to a 79 on Saturday, his worst score ever in the US PGA.

Woods opens up on effect of injuries

Woods struggled with pain in his right leg during the US PGA Championship in May.
Woods struggled with pain in his right leg during the US PGA Championship in May.  © USA TODAY Sports

In his pre-tournament press conference at Southern Hills, Woods likened playing in the Masters to climbing Everest and said "it’s only going to get flatter and better."

However, when asked how close he is now to the peak level of fitness he will be able to achieve, Woods added: "That’s a great question. I don’t know."

"There’s a lot of hardware in there (the right leg) and there’s going to be limitations to what I’m going to be able to do, but I’m going to get stronger. I don’t know (by) how much that is or how much range of motion I’ll ever get back."

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Speaking after his first round of 74, Woods was asked how the injury affects his swing.

"Loading hurts, pressing off it hurts, and walking hurts, and twisting hurts," he said. "It’s just golf. If I don’t do that, then I’m all right."

Cover photo: USA TODAY Sports

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