Coming off a last-place showing two weeks ago at the Genesis, it is obvious that he is dealing with a lingering back injury.
Tiger has won the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill eight times, and according to those close to him, it’s heartbreaking that he has withdrawn from one of his favorite stops on the PGA Tour.
Woods, 44, has played in fewer tournaments in recent years to reduce stress on his body as back problems threatened to derail his career. He has chosen to focus on majors and other high-profile tournaments, a strategy that paid off when he won the Masters last year.
Tiger has won the Players twice in his career, and missing the TPC, which he has won twice, is not a good indicator that his back will be ready for the Masters a month from now.
Tiger is the defending champion, and according to his spokesperson, he is committed to healing and being tournament-ready when it counts.
