(Getty)
For the second year in a row, Tiger Woods, the man who transformed the sport of golf with his 1997 victory at Augusta and has donned the Green Jacket four times, will not play at the Masters.
As he continues to recover from a bout with back spasms, the 41-year-old announced the news on his website:
Unfortunately, I won’t be competing in this year’s Masters. I did about everything I could to play, but my back rehabilitation didn’t allow me the time to get tournament ready. I’m especially upset because it’s a special anniversary for me that’s filled with a lot of great memories. I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since I won my first green jacket.
Woods, who last been sidelined since he withdrew from the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in early February, says that he has “no timetable for my return.” However, according to his agent Mark Steinberg, it does sound like he’s reasonably close:
Tiger’s agent Mark Steinberg said he “grinded on the decision” until today. Wanted to play. No spasms. Cleared by doctors. Just not ready
Though Eldrick wasn’t likely to contend even if he did tee up–he hasn’t made the cut an official event since August 2015–it’s still always a little disappointing not to see him at Augusta. His win in ’97 was one “for the ages,” as Jim Nantz so famously put it. His win in ’01 completed the Tiger Slam (four straight majors). His win the next year made him the first back-to-back champ since Nick Faldo. His win in ’05 was powered by one of the most chill-inducing moments in the history of the sport:
As for Woods’ eventual return, it’s difficult to project because he has had so much trouble staying healthy, but it does sound like his absence at Augusta is more rust-related than it is injury-related.
The next big date on the calendar would be May 11 for the Players Championship. After that, there are two likely targets: The Memorial, which Woods has won five times, is on June 1, while the US Open at Erin Hills begins two weeks later on June 15.
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Tiger Woods’ Masters Status, Injury Update & Timetable