Tiger to Return to Competition When 'Ready'


Tiger Woods released a statement on his website indicating that his strained back - which caused him to withdraw from last week's Farmers Insurance Open after only 11 holes - is improving. But Woods also noted that his game isn't quite up to snuff for him to go against elite competition.

Woods, who also missed the cut in the Phoenix Open the week prior due mainly to his highest-ever PGA Tour score of 11-over 82 in the second round, said the new back injury isn't related to the surgically repaired area that caused him to miss much of last year, and that he's undergoing physical therapy and gradually improving.

Here's Woods's full statement on http://www.tigerwoods.com/home:

"The last two weeks have been very disappointing to me, especially Torrey, because I never want to withdraw. 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. Next week I will practice at Medalist and at home getting ready for the rest of the year. I am committed to getting back to the pinnacle of my game.

"I'd like to play The Honda Classic - it's a tournament in my hometown and it's important to me - but I won't be there unless my game is tournament-ready. That's not fair to anyone. I do, however, expect to be playing again very soon.

"I want to thank the fans in Phoenix and San Diego. They were amazing. I greatly appreciate everyone's support."

After rising to No. 1 in the world on March 25, 2013, and staying there until May 2014, Woods currently ranks 62nd, the lowest since he turned professional in 1996.