Tiger Woods withdraws from Arnold Palmer over neck pain

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Former world No. 1 Tiger Woods said that he had withdrawn from this week's Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Orlando due to a neck strain.

“I've been receiving treatment, but it hasn't improved enough to play,” the 43-year-old twitted, “My lower back is fine, and I have no long-term concerns, and I hope to be ready for The Players.”

Screenshot from Tiger Woods' Twitter

The Arnold Palmer has been a favorite hunting ground for Woods over the years, with a record eight titles.

Woods said, "Its connection to Arnold makes it one of my favorite tournaments and I'm disappointed to miss it."

Woods, who returned to competition last season after a lengthy recovery from spinal fusion surgery, added that he hoped to play in The Players Championship next week as he builds towards next month's Masters.

Woods last played at the WGC-Mexico Championship from February 21-24, tying for 10th place.

In his only other starts this year, Woods finished in a share of 20th place at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January followed by a T15 at the Genesis Open in mid-February.

The injury is the first setback for Woods since he returned to regularly competing on the PGA Tour in January 2018, which marked the start of a remarkable comeback campaign he capped with a win in the Tour Championship season finale.

(With inputs from AFP and Reuters)