Tiger cites ‘mild oblique strain’ for withdrawal

Two days after playing down concerns over his fitness, Tiger Woods was forced to withdraw from the Northern Trust ahead of his second round at Liberty National in New Jersey.

Woods struggled to an opening four-over-par 75 on Thursday after restricting himself to chipping and putting on the back nine of Wednesday’s pro-am due to stiffness in his back.

In a statement yesterday, the Masters champion wrote: “Due to a mild oblique strain that led to pain and stiffness, I have to withdraw from the Northern Trust.”

The 43-year-old has played just 13 tournament rounds since winning his 15th major title at Augusta National in April, two years after he underwent career-saving spinal fusion surgery.

Woods followed a missed cut in the US PGA Championship with a top10 finish in the Memorial Tournament and a tie for 21st in the US Open, but then took a month off before missing the cut in the Open Championship.

At Royal Portrush, Woods admitted he had little choice but to play a limited schedule.

“Getting myself into position to win the Masters, it took a lot out of me,” said Woods, who has had four knee operations and four back surgeries during his illustrious career.

“I want to play here as long as I possibly can and you have to understand if I play a lot, I won’t be out here that long.”

Woods is projected to fall from 28th in the FedEx Cup standings to 34th. He would therefore need a good showing in the BMW Championship, if he is fit enough to play, to climb back inside the top 30 and qualify for the Tour Championship.

The former world number one is the defending champion in Atlanta after beating Billy Horschel by two shots at East Lake for his first victory since 2013.

Picture: Getty. Fitness concern: Tiger Woods.