Just as Tiger Woods’ comeback looked to be on after 14 months away from professional golf, it has been stopped dead in its tracks. The 14-time major tournament winner withdrew from the Safeway Open being played in Napa, California, this week after officially entering the tournament just last Friday, according to a statement on his website.
CBSSports.com’s Kyle Porter reports the rumor had been swirling, but many were shocked it came to fruition. Woods, now 40 years old, also announced his withdrawal from the Turkish Airlines Open later this fall, which was part of his three-tournament scheduled return.
“After a lot of soul searching and honest reflection, I know that I am not yet ready to play on the PGA Tour or compete in Turkey,” wrote Woods on his website. “My health is good, and I feel strong, but my game is vulnerable and not where it needs to be. When I announced last week I was going to Safeway, I had every intention of playing, or I wouldn’t have committed.
“I practiced the last several days in California,” Woods continued, ”but after a lot of hours, I knew I wasn’t ready to compete against the best golfers in the world. I will continue to work hard, and plan to play at my foundation’s event, the Hero World Challenge, in Albany.”
Woods went on to apologize to everyone involved with the tournament.
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