Four-time champion and World Number 1 Tiger Woods will miss the Masters after having surgery on a pinched nerve in his back. “This is frustrating, but it&aposs something my doctors advised me to do for my immediate and long-term health,” said the 38-year-old American. “It also looks like I&aposll be forced to miss several upcoming tournaments to focus on my rehabilitation.” Woods, who will be absent from the Masters for the first time in nearly 20 years, won his maiden Green Jacket in 1997 and also claimed the Jacket in 2001, 2002 and 2005. A statement on the 14-time major winner&aposs website said the surgery was a success but he had failed to “make the necessary progress” to play at Augusta and would need rest for the “next several weeks”. Woods added: “I&aposd like to express my disappointment to the Augusta National membership, staff, volunteers and patrons that I will not be at the Masters. “It&aposs a week that&aposs very special to me.” Woods has suffered a string of injuries since 2008, missing two Opens, a US Open and a PGA Championship, but he has been present for every Masters since making his debut as an amateur in 1995. Woods still trails Jack Nicklaus&aposs record of 18 major titles, while Sam Snead won a total of 82 PGA Tour titles compared to Woods&aposs current total of 79. “It&aposs tough right now, but I&aposm absolutely optimistic about the future,” said Woods. “There are a couple of records by two outstanding individuals and players that I hope one day to break. “As I&aposve said many times, Sam and Jack reached their milestones over an entire career. I plan to have a lot of years left in mine.”
Author: Agencies