Tiger Woods withdraws from The Open

Tiger Woods will not play in this year’s British Open, and has now not played competitive golf in almost 11 months.

According to organizers of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, who manages The Open, Tiger Woods withdrew from the tournament on Friday. Woods will miss the July 14-17 event at Royal Troon in Scotland, and in doing so, will miss his third consecutive major for the first time in his professional career.

Woods has not played competitive golf in almost 11 months, and there is no timetable for his return. He recently stated that he does not know if he will play at all in 2016.

Woods last played a PGA Tour event in August 2015, when he finished tied for 10th at the Wyndham Championship.

Woods underwent back surgery last September, and he still does not feel ready enough to compete against the best players in the world. Since March of 2014, Woods has undergone three back surgeries, and has been very careful about coming back this time.

At 40-years old, Woods’ best days of golf are probably behind him, and it remains to be seen whether or not he will truly ever be able to compete for a Major title again.

Woods has won the British Open three times in his illustrious career, at St Andrews in 2005 and 2010 and at Royal Liverpool in 2006. The last time the event was held at Royal Troon, 2004, Woods finished in ninth place.

Marcus Fraser will play in The Open in Woods’ place, with former No.1 player Luke Donald as the first alternate.

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