Tiger Woods sits out API at Bay Hill

Report by Anand Datla

March 14, 2015: The wait to see Tiger Woods continues. The ace golfer put out a brief statement on his website, informing readers of his decision to stay out of action even as he recovers from injuries to back. It is now expected that Woods might return to the course at the Augusta Masters, later in the spring.

“I spoke to Arnold today and told him that I will not play in his tournament this year. I’m sorry I won’t be in Orlando next week, but I know it will be a really successful event,” said Woods in his brief statement on the website. “I’ve put in a lot of time and work on my game and I’m making strides, but like I’ve said, I won’t return to the PGA TOUR until my game is tournament ready and I can compete at the highest level.”

“I hope to be ready for the Masters, and I will continue to work hard preparing for Augusta,” signed off Woods. “I want to thank everyone again for their support.”

Arnold Palmer was quick to respond, taking a kind view of Woods’ inability to play next week. “I certainly understand him wanting to stay away as long as hurting (sic) and he’s not feeling up to speed,” said the legend who hosts the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Woods will be missing the event, one he has won a record eight times, for the second year running. Last year he withdrew when he started suffering back spasms and underwent surgery a couple of weeks later. He went on to miss the Masters too and since has struggled to make a meaningful comeback.

The golfer has slipped to 79th in the rankings and is working on a new swing with his current coach Chris Como. It remains to be seen if he recovers his body and game in time for the Masters in early April. No one really seems to know the exact state of his game, but one his friends and college team mate Notah Begay seems to think that Tiger is on the mend.

“I spent quite a bit of time the last couple of weeks down at Tiger’s house, trying to be a good running mate and going through workouts and practicing with him,” said Begay. “I can attest to the fact that things are improving and that he is putting in some solid workdays. It is just not at the status that he wants it.”

The world of golf would like to believe that is indeed the case as they wait eagerly for the return of Woods.