Michael Shambo
Staff Writer
For the first time in nearly 20 years, Tiger Woods will not be participating in the first Major of the PGA season, The Masters. Tiger has been dealing with back problems for some time now and decided to undergo surgery on Monday in Park City, Utah to fix a pinched nerve.
The surgery was announced as a success. But while Woods isn’t setting a specific timetable for his return, he did say he hopes to get back on the tour at some point this summer.
“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,” said Woods. “I’d like to express my disappointment to the Augusta National membership, staff, volunteers and patrons that I will not be at the Masters. It’s a week that’s very special to me.”
At one point is seemed all but certain that Woods would overtake Jack Nicklaus’ record for most Majors won in a career, but after a slew of recent health problems over the past few years, this predication seems to be in serious jeopardy. Woods is currently sitting on 14 Major wins, but he has not won one since 2008, and still trails behind Nicklaus by four.
Even with Tiger out, the Masters will still be played in Augusta, Georgia beginning on April 10th. This opens up the field to a wide array of competitors, including Phil Mickelson and returning Masters champion, Adam Scott.
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