Tiger Woods announced Tuesday that he would not play in the United States Open next week at the Congressional Country Club near Washington.
Woods, who has been trying to rehabilitate his left knee and Achilles’ tendon, both of which were injured when he hit a shot during the third round of the Masters, said the injuries have not sufficiently improved.
“I am extremely disappointed that I won’t be playing in the U.S. Open,” Woods said in a statement posted on his Web site. “But it’s time for me to listen to my doctors and focus on the future. 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,” he added. “I hope to be ready for the AT&T National, the next two majors and the rest of the year.”
Woods originally was diagnosed as having a Grade 1 sprain to the medial collateral ligament in his left knee — on which he has had four surgeries, most recently to reconstruct his anterior cruciate ligament. A mild strain to his left Achilles’ tendon, which also had been injured previously, also was found.
The injuries occurred when Woods hit his second shot at the 17th hole of his third round at the Masters in April. His ball was on the pine straw beneath the Eisenhower tree left of the fairway, and his foot slipped during a vigorous swing that required him to substantially bend both knees.
He missed the Wells Fargo Championship four weeks later, then withdrew after nine holes of the Players Championship the next week. He said at that time that reports about the severity of the injury were exaggerated, and that he expected to be ready for the United States Open.
“It’s been a frustrating and difficult year, but I’m committed to my long-term health,” Woods said. “I want to thank the fans for their encouragement and support. I am truly grateful and will be back playing when I can.”
Obtained by: Larry Dorman
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