Woods backs out of Desert Classic

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES— Tiger Woods withdrew from the Dubai Desert Classic on Friday with back spasms after shooting an openinground 77 a day earlier, marking another frustrating start to his return to golf. Woods’ manager, Mark Steinberg, said the golfer had back spasms on Thursday night after dinner. Woods, who had a 16-month layoff after multiple back surgeries, was expected to play four times in five weeks, starting at last week’s Farmers Insurance Open.