Woods withdraws from the US Open

Tiger Woods has pulled out of next week’s US Open in an effort to be fit for the Open Championship at St Andrews.

The 15-time major winner was forced to withdraw from last month’s USPGA Championship at Southern Hills following the third round. The 46-year-old shot a nineover 79 – his second worst score in relation to par in 27 years of playing the majors – which left only one player behind him of the 79 who made the cut.

When Woods first announced his comeback plans for this year following the horrific injuries he suffered in a car accident 16 months ago, it was widely expected that the American would target the 150th Open.

He has now confirmed that he will sit out the US Open at Brookline, which begins a week tomorrow, and hopes that taking an extended break from the game at this time will allow him to meet his playing commitments at the JP Mcmanus Pro-am in Limerick on July 4-5 and at St Andrews, where the Open begins on July 14.

“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,” Woods posted on Twitter yesterday.

“I do hope and plan to be ready to play in Ireland at the JP Pro-am and at the Open next month. I’m excited to get back out there soon!”

Woods reported that he was feeling “sore” after the third round at Southern Hills and the effects of the serious injuries to his right leg – which he almost lost in the car crash – were obvious as he was seen at times limping from the opening day of the tournament.