Tiger Woods announced he will miss the Masters this year because of back surgery. We’re gonna assume this isn’t an elaborate April Fool’s prank. This will be the first Masters without Tiger since 1994.
Sad to say I’m missing the Masters. Thanks to the fans for so many kind wishes. http://t.co/Ofbre9VHEL
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 1, 2014
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Woods under microdiscectomy on Monday to alleviate pain from a pinched nerve. A problem he has dealt with for the last few months. He recently missed the Arnold Palmer Invitational as a result.
“After attempting to get ready for the Masters, and failing to make the necessary progress, I decided, in consultation with my doctors, to have this procedure done,” Woods said.
“I’d like to express my disappointment to the Augusta National membership, staff, volunteers and patrons that I will not be at the Masters,” Tiger added. “It’s a week that’s very special to me. It also looks like I’ll be forced to miss several upcoming tournaments to focus on my rehabilitation and getting healthy.
“I’d also like to thank the fans for their support and concern. It’s very kind and greatly appreciated. This is frustrating, but it’s something my doctors advised me to do for my immediate and long-term health.”
So where does that leave Tiger going forward? With his prime years clearly behind him, perhaps its best if Tiger focuses on majors—and just majors. No more Accenture Match Play, no more John Deere tournaments, no more made-for-TV BS. Nothing. 8-10 tournaments a year. That’s it.
Maybe he steals another major, maybe not. But that’s his best (and maybe only) path.
Photo: Andrew Weber/USA Today Sports