WOODS DUCKS US OPEN TO PREPARE FOR ST ANDREWS
Tiger WOODS has confirmed that he will not be fit enough to contest next week’s US Open at Brookline in massachusetts — but said that he still intends to play at the Open at St andrews next month.
The 15-time major winner, who withdrew from the US PGA Championship after three rounds last month, is fighting to prolong his glittering career after nearly losing his right leg in a car crash in 2021.
Woods, 46, said: ‘i previously informed the USGA that i will not be competing in the US Open as my body needs more time to get stronger for major championship golf. ‘Nevertheless i do hope and plan to be ready to play in ireland at the JP mcmanus Pro-am and then at the Open next month. i’m excited to get back out there soon.’
Woods under-performed at Southern Hills, where he made the cut but struggled in the third round and pulled out before play on the Sunday.
St Andrews will host the 150th Open from July 14 and Woods would provide a huge pull to viewers and visitors.
It was at ‘the Home of golf’ that Woods won his first and second Open championships back in 2000 and 2005. in 2005 Woods won having led from wire to wire to seal his 10th major title.
Greg Norman, who is leading the Saudi-backed LIV golf invitational Series, said this week that Woods had rejected a ‘high nine digits’ offer to join the rebels in the breakaway tour.