Tiger Woods to Miss 2017 Masters Tournament

Post by Golf Writer Kieran Clark

Four-time champion Tiger Woods has confirmed that he will not be competing in next week's Masters Tournament at Augusta National, which comes a momentous 20 years after his historic first major championship victory that has long been considered a watershed moment for the game. 

In a statement published on his official statement, the 41-year-old said: "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.

"I have no timetable for my return, but I will continue my diligent effort to recover, and want to get back out there as soon as possible. 

"I'd like to pass along my regrets to Billy Payne, the Augusta National membership, staff, volunteers and patrons, that I won't be there. I will be at the Champions Dinner and I look forward to seeing a lot of old friends.

"Augusta National has been a very important place to me and my family for over 20 years, and while I'm disappointed, it will be good to be back there Tuesday."

Woods had made a long-awaited return to the game from injury last December at the Hero World Challenge, which appeared to largely be a success. That was a prelude to a busy run of scheduled competitive events early this year, which proved disastrous after a missed cut at Torrey Pines followed by a withdrawal from the Dubai Desert Classic after one round. 

With no indication of when his next comeback could be, fans and observors are left to ponder the possibility that he may never step onto the course in a professional event again. Having memorably won the Masters in 1997, 2001, 2002 and 2005, the Georgia course became less receptive to the charms of Tiger, and it will now have been at least three years since he has played in the year's first major.

Though his announcement could hardly be viewed as a shock, the unsual timing on a quiet Friday evening suggests that it was a decision stretched to the limit. This is another chapter in what has been a sad story for those who admired an extraordinary talent, a player who revolutionised the game and inspired the golden generation of golfers that we are now fortunate enough to witness. 

Yes, the Masters will go on and will likely be enthralling, but there is an undeniable tear in the tapestry, especially as we reflect on what a lean and charismatic 21-year-old achieved two decades ago down Magnolia Lane.