Tiger Woods announcement leaves golf fans saddened: 'Need more time'
Golf fans have expressed their sadness that we won't be seeing Tiger Woods at the US Open next week after the American champion announced his official withdrawal on Tuesday.
The 15-time major winner announced on Tuesday that he will not play the US Open at Brookline in order to continue his recovery from severe leg injuries sustained in a car accident last year.
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"I previously informed the USGA that I will not be competing in the US Open as my body needs more time to get stronger for major championship golf," Woods tweeted, adding that he is still planning to play in the British Open at St Andrews in July.
"I'm excited to get back out there soon."
The 46-year-old made a surprise return at the Masters in April after surgery to repair his right leg following the car accident in February of 2021.
He made the cut at Augusta National and at the PGA Championship at Southern Hills, but pulled out from the latter following the third-worst round at a major for his career.
The American is a three-time US Open champion, with the last of those titles coming in 2008 at Torrey Pines when he defied a left knee injury to win in a play-off.
This will be the sixth time in the last 12 years that Woods doesn't play the US Open.
He last played in 2020 at Winged Foot and missed the cut.
“We're disappointed we won't see him in Boston,” said Mike Whan, the CEO of the USGA.
“But personally, I'm happy for him that he's looking after his health. I'd rather see Tiger long-term than just in the 2022 US Open.”
Fans and commentators also expressed their disappointment that Woods won't be in action at the US Open.
"Sad not to have Tiger Woods at the US Open but makes a ton of sense he's not playing - it's the most taxing tournament and him hacking it from thick rough doesn't seem like a recipe for success right now," tweeted golf writer Dylan Dethier.
"This should give him the best chance to ramp up prep for St. Andrews."
Sad not to have Tiger Woods at the U.S. Open but makes a ton of sense he's not playing — it's the most taxing tournament and him hacking it from thick rough doesn't seem like a recipe for success right now. This should give him the best chance to ramp up prep for St. Andrews.
— Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) June 7, 2022
Selfishly I am sad I won't see you at Brookline when I go there, but I understand and want what is best for your health and leg. Good luck at the @TheOpen, and hopefully you'll hang out at the President's Cup which I am attending as well. lol
— Patrick (@panderson1988) June 7, 2022
I’m so sorry Tiger I wish I was there was something I could do to help you to make it heal faster you gave it a good try with your son please take care of yourself and get better quick I’m a big fan
— Lisa M Collier (@Blondie1258) June 7, 2022
Tiger, my dear chap, do what you need to do.
Few people want to see you back out there, challenging for the top of the leaderboard, more than me (I know you'd be one of them).
🐯— Simon Kew (@PensionsSimon) June 7, 2022
Please come back and win some more majors Tiger!!! Golf and the world needs to see you rise to the top again. I also pray that your young son takes the touch from you and and accomplishes more than both you and Jack!! GOD HAS ALREADY BLESSED YOU!!!!! MAY HE CONTINUE TO DO SO!!
— Ja'mone Taylor (@JamoneTaylor) June 7, 2022
This is sad as I'm volunterring over at the @usopengolf this year.
— Ryan OSullivan (@ThaRealSully) June 7, 2022
Tiger Woods still planning to play British Open
Woods said he is still planning to "be ready to play in Ireland" at the JP McManus Pro-am tournament in the lead-up to the British Open.
The American champion has lifted the Claret Jug twice at St Andrews in Scotland - in 2000 and 2005.
“I won’t be playing a full schedule ever again, it’ll be just the big events,” Woods said after the Masters.
“I am looking forward to St Andrews. That is something that is near and dear to my heart.
"I’ve won two Opens there, it’s the home of golf, it’s my favourite golf course in the world. I will be there for that one.”
Now sitting at World No.881 in the world rankings, Woods previously came back after undergoing spinal fusion surgery in 2017 to win his most recent major title at the Masters three years ago.
US media reports suggested this week that Woods turned down a large offer to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf International Series, which holds its inaugural event in England this week.
Aussie legend Greg Norman, who is heading up the controversial series, reportedly offered Woods $1 billion to join.
with agencies
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