Date: March 20, 2014
Author: Dejan Kalinic, Omnisport

Tiger’s Masters tilt in doubt after injury setback

Tiger Woods is no certainty to play at the Masters at Augusta after withdrawing from the Arnold Palmer Invitational due to his back injury.

The world number one will miss the PGA Tour event starting Thursday with an injury that led to him withdrawing from the fourth round of the Honda Classic after 13 holes on March 2. Woods, 38, misses the tournament he has won eight times – including the past two years – and he may be unable to compete at the Masters starting April 10. "Unfortunately, my back spasms and the pain haven't subsided," he said on his website. "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." Woods said he called Palmer to inform him of his withdrawal. In a statement, Palmer said: "I am certainly sorry that Tiger is not able to play. "Quite obviously, we will miss having him here this week. 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." Woods, a 14-time major champion, last missed a major when leg injuries kept him from playing at the 2011 Open Championship. Woods has been well below his best in 2014, with his best result a tied for 25th at the WGC-Cadillac Championship.