Tiger Woods announced Tuesday he would not participate in the upcoming Masters after undergoing surgery to address a pinched nerve in his back. In a statement, Woods called the tournament he has won four times, "very special," adding that he may have to miss other events as well while rehabbing.
"This is frustrating, but it's something my doctors advised me to do for my immediate and long-term health," he said.
Woods has been bothered by back spasms since last fall, and was forced to withdraw from the Honda Classic last month when they flared up again. He has played in every Masters since 1995, and first won the event in his pro debut in 1997. He tied for fourth place at Augusta last year.