“I Need a Lot of Work”: Tiger Woods Leaves PGA Tour, Vows Return

Tiger Woods says his golf is not acceptable for the PGA Tour and he will not return until it is.

Woods shot a career-worst 82 to miss the cut in the Phoenix Open by 12 shots. He was playing poorly at Torrey Pines when he withdrew after 11 holes because of tightness in his back.

"The last two weeks have been very disappointing to me, especially Torrey, because I never want to withdraw," Woods said in a statement Wednesday. "Unfortunately, lately injuries have made that happen too often."

Woods said Wednesday on his website that the injury is not related to the back surgery he had last spring. He says he is having physical therapy every day and feeling better.

"Right now, I need a lot of work on my game, and to still spend time with the people that are important to me," Woods said. "My play, and scores, are not acceptable for tournament golf."

He said he wants to play the Honda Classic that starts Feb. 26., but he won't play if he's not tournament-ready. Woods said he expects to be playing soon.

"Like I've said, I enter a tournament to compete at the highest level, and when I think I'm ready, I'll be back."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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