Tiger Woods has announced his withdrawal from this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational because of a neck injury.
The American star has won the Bay Hill event eight times in career, and looked to be in good form, having managed his first top-ten finish of the year at the WGC Mexico Championship last month.
However, the 43-year-old says the injury is not linked to the back trouble which plagued so much of his career, prior to a remarkable comeback over the past 18 months, and he expects to return for the Players’ Championship at TPC Sawgrass next week.
“Unfortunately due to a neck strain that I’ve had for a few weeks, I'm forced to withdraw from the API,” Woods wrote on Twitter. “I’ve been receiving treatment, but it hasn't improved enough to play.
“My lower back is fine, and I have no long-term concerns, and I hope to be ready for The Players.
“I'd like to send my regrets to the Palmer family and the Orlando fans. Its connection to Arnold makes it one of my favourite tournaments and I'm disappointed to miss it.”
