Tiger Woods will miss the U.S. Open next week at Congressional, the 14-time major champion announced Tuesday on his website.
“I am extremely disappointed that I won’t be playing in the U.S. Open, but it is time for me to listen to my doctors and focus on the future,” he announced on TigerWoods.com. “I was hopeful that I could play, but if I did, I risk further damage to my left leg. My knee and Achilles tendon are not fully healed. I hope to be ready for AT&T National, the next two majors, and the rest of the year.”
The AT&T National, the annual tournament hosted by Woods, begins June 30 outside of Philadelphia. The next major, the British Open, tees off at Royal St. George’s on July 14.
“Not playing in U.S. Open,” Woods said via Twitter. “Very disappointed. Short-term frustration for long-term gain.”
While the Open loses its primary drawing card in Woods, there will be little economic impact for the tournament, which is nearly sold out. Sponsorships and advertising have long been sold for the Open. Television ratings are sure to suffer, however, which could impact future ad revenues, especially if Woods’ physical problems continue.
“We are disappointed,” said Mike Davis, executive director of the U.S. Golf Association. “The excitement that he generates will be missed, but the Blue Course at Congressional Country Club will surely provide an excellent test for the 156 world-class players in the field.”
This will be the first time Woods, 35, has missed an Open since playing in his first one in 1995. Starting with his historic victory in the Masters in 1997, Woods played 46 straight major championships before undergoing reconstructive surgery on his left knee after winning the 2008 Open.
Woods has not won a major since, as his pursuit of Jack Nicklaus’ hallowed record of 18 majors has stalled. After his major surgery in 2008, Woods came back with a strong 2009, winning six tournaments. But after running his Cadillac Escalade into a fire hydrant outside his home on Thanksgiving weekend and subsequent revelations of marital infidelity, Woods hasn’t won a tournament.
This year, he injured his knee in the third round of the Masters, where he finished tied for fourth. Woods was diagnosed with a Grade 1 (mild) medial collateral ligament sprain to his left knee and a mild strain of his Achilles tendon. Woods returned at The Players Championship, but pulled out after shooting a 42 for nine holes and claiming that he reinjured his leg on his opening tee shot. Since then, Woods has used crutches and a walking boot.
“It’s been a frustrating and difficult year, but I’m committed to my long-term health,” Woods said.
