Tiger Woods Registers To Play At US Open

Tiger Woods has formally registered to play in the US Open, suggesting he is close to a return to competitive golf.

The 14-time major championship winner has had three operations to fix back problems and last played a tournament in August 2015.

His exempt status means he is free to play if he wishes, but his registration is no guarantee he will compete at Oakmont on 16 June.

His agent Mark Steinberg told ESPN the paperwork was “simply procedural”.

Woods missed the cut at last year’s US Open at Chambers Bay, one of three occasions in the 2015 majors that he failed to reach the weekend.

He did not take up his invitation to play in this year’s Masters at Augusta National as he recovered from surgery on his back last September.

BBC

Tiger Woods Registers To Play At US Open

Tiger Woods To Miss 2016 US Masters

Four-time champion Tiger Woods will not take part in next week’s Masters because of a back injury.

Woods, 40, has not played competitively since August and has had two operations in an attempt to cure the problem.

The American insists he is “making progress” in his recovery but has put no timescale on his return to action.

“I’ve decided it’s prudent to miss this year’s Masters,” read a statement. “I’ve been hitting balls and training daily, but I’m not physically ready.”

Former world number one Woods also pulled out of the tournament in 2014 with a back problem and finished in a tie for 17th last year.

“I’ve said all along that this time I need to be cautious and do what’s best for my long-term health and career,” he added. “Unfortunately, playing Augusta next week wouldn’t be the right decision.

“I’m absolutely making progress, and I’m really happy with how far I’ve come, but I still have no timetable to return.”

The 14-time major winner, who has slipped to 472nd in the world rankings, will attend the Champions Dinner at Augusta National on Tuesday.

Credit: BBC

Tiger Woods To Miss 2016 US Masters