Tiger Re-injures Back; Withdraws from Bridgestone Invitational


After "jarring" his back on the second hole, Tiger Woods pulled out six holes later in the final round of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. The incident happened when Woods jumped back into a bunker after executing a shot from an awkward stance.

He withdrew after completing eight holes at Firestone Country Club in Akron, citing lower back pain. Woods underwent microdiscectomy surgery on March 31 and was playing in just his 10th competitive round since rehabbing his back.

"I just jarred it, and it's been spasming ever since," said Woods, who pulled out following his drive on the ninth hole. "It's just the whole lower back."

Playing partner Bubba Watson later said to reporters, "I told him when I shook his hand, I said, 'I'm praying for you. Hope everything turns out good. Hope to see you next week.' "

Woods, an eight-time winner at Firestone, is also the defending champion. At the time he withdrew he was 3-over in the final round and trailed 54-hole leader Sergio Garcia by 18 strokes.

The injury withdrawal was the second time this year Woods has pulled out of a tournament in mid-round. He also withdrew from the Honda Classic in March with five holes to play in the last round after experiencing back spasms.