Woods to skip British Open as his leg recovers, no return date set yet

Tiger Woods says he won’t play the British Open as his left leg continues to heal.

Woods announced Tuesday on his website that he has been advised not to play next week at Royal St. George’s. The decision is not a big surprise, considering he said last week at the AT&T National that he has not hit balls since the Players Championship nearly two months ago.

He will be replaced in the field by Brendan Jones.

Woods says he will not return to competition until he feels his left knee and Achilles are 100 percent recovered. He did not say when that might be. This is the second straight major that Woods will miss. The last one of the year is the PGA Championship from Aug. 11-14 in Atlanta.

"Unfortunately, I've been advised that I should not play in the British Open," Woods said. "As I stated at the AT&T National, I am only going to come back when I'm 100 percent ready. I do not want to risk further injury. That's different for me, but I'm being smarter this time. I'm very disappointed and want to express my regrets to the British Open fans."

Woods personally contacted Peter Dawson, chief executive of the R&A, to explain why he is unable to play.

In April, Woods was diagnosed with a Grade 1 mild medial collateral ligament sprain to his left knee and a mild strain to his left Achilles tendon, both of which he suffered while hitting a second shot from under the Eisenhower tree at hole No. 17 during the third round at the Masters. He was unable to play in the Wells Fargo Championship and withdrew after nine holes in the first round at the Players Championship after reinjuring his leg on the opening tee shot. He also did not compete last week at the AT&T National.

"In hindsight, I probably shouldn't have competed at the Players, but it's a big event, and I wanted to be there to support the tour," Woods said. "I've got to learn from what I did there and do it right this time and not come back until I'm ready.

"I think my best years are still ahead of me, and I'm very confident and optimistic about the future."