Tiger Injures Elbow - Out for AT&T National


The pained expression seen occasionally on Tiger Woods' face during last week's U.S. Open turned out to be a bigger problem than most people thought.

The game's No. 1-ranked player pooh-poohed the source of the pain during the Open, where he tied for 32nd after finishing tied for 32nd at 13-over 293.

But the injury to his left elbow is bad enough that the 14-time major winner has pulled out of next week's AT&T National at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. This is the annual tournament he hosts and which benefits his Tiger Woods Foundation. He's also the defending champion.

"I was examined after I returned home from the U.S. Open, and the doctors determined I have a left elbow strain," the 37-year-old told PGATour.com.

"I have been advised to take a few weeks off, rest and undergo treatment," he added. "I'll be ready to go for the British Open, and I'm looking forward to playing at Muirfield. I would like to extend my regrets to AT&T, our sponsors and the fans in the Washington, D.C., area.

"The AT&T National means a lot to me and my foundation. It's especially difficult not defending at my own tournament. It's going to be a great event, and I look forward to being there to provide my support."

He originally injured the elbow en route to winning last month's Players Championship, his fourth title of the year.

Woods' finish in the U.S. Open was his worst in 16 starts in the championship. Though he had to deal with a hurting elbow, Woods took a whopping 127 putts on the greens at Merion Golf Club, which contributed to rounds of 73, 70, 76 and 74.