Woods Withdraws from Arnold Palmer Invitational


The balky back of Tiger Woods will prevent the two-time defending champion from a three-peat in the Arnold Palmer Invitational. The 38-year-old's said on Tuesday that his recent back spasms haven't improved and he's taking time off to get the problem sorted out.

"Called Arnold today to tell him that, sadly, I won't be able to play," Woods said on his website.

"Back spasms and the pain haven't subsided," added Woods, who was looking toward winning at Bay Hill a ninth time, which would have broken his and Sam Snead's shared all-time record of eight victories in the same tournament.

"It's too early to know about the Masters, and I will continue to be evaluated and work closely with my doctors. I feel badly that I won't be able to play in this great tournament this week."

Ever since he withdrew because of the back spasms after completing 67 holes of the Honda Classic three weeks ago, Woods hasn't been the same. He also had issues in the following week's WGC-Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral.

"I am certainly sorry that Tiger is not able to play. Quite obviously, we will miss having him here this week," Palmer said in a statement. "He called me to tell me that his back was still giving him a lot of trouble and he didn't feel he should play. I told him I understood and wished him well."

The $6.2 million PGA Tour event starts Thursday. Woods was slated to play in the first two rounds at Bay Hill - planned as his last tournament before the Masters on April 10-13 - with Harris English and Graeme McDowell. Taking his place will be Brice Garnett.

This will be the second time that Woods has missed the Arnold Palmer Invitational. He also opted out in 2010 during the lengthy tournament absence following his November 2009 car crash.

For all of the first- and second-round pairings and tee times, visit http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/arnold-palmer-invitational-presented-by-mastercard/tee-times.html.