Neck injury forces Tiger to withdraw from Arnold Palmer Invitational

Michael Schmitt
March 5, 2019

Tiger Woods has announced that due to a neck strain he has been forced to withdraw from this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational.

The news comes hot on the heels of Woods also withdrawing from last week’s Honda Classic, although on that occasion it was concern over a crowded schedule that prompted his decision, not an injury.

Woods has played in three tournaments so far in 2019, but it looks like he’s taking every necessary step to ensure he is fit and ready for the action-packed months ahead, which include the Players Championship in March and the Masters in April.

1) Unfortunately due to a neck strain that I’ve had for a few weeks, I'm forced to withdraw from the API. I’ve been receiving treatment, but it hasn't improved enough to play. My lower back is fine, and I have no long-term concerns, and I hope to be ready for The Players.

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) 4 March 2019

2) I'd like to send my regrets to the Palmer family and the Orlando fans. Its connection to Arnold makes it one of my favorite tournaments and I'm disappointed to miss it.

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) 4 March 2019

In a post on Twitter, Woods said: “Unfortunately due to a neck strain that I’ve had for a few weeks, I’m forced to withdraw from the API.

“I’ve been receiving treatment, but it hasn’t improved enough to play. My lower back is fine, and I have no long-term concerns, and I hope to be ready for The Players.

“I’d like to send my regrets to the Palmer family and the Orlando fans. Its connection to Arnold makes it one of my favorite tournaments and I’m disappointed to miss it.”

Woods has recorded finishes of 20th, 15th and 10th in his three tournament appearances so far this year, and remains the fifth favourite for the Masters in little over a month’ time.

He would have been competing for a record ninth Arnold Palmer Invitational crown this week.

Tiger Woods