Tigers Woods is set for the British Open after being forced to withdraw from his own tournament this coming weekend due to a strained left elbow. The world’s top golfer spoke during a news conference on Wednesday for the AT&T National at the Congressional Country Club.
“You can play hurt, but playing injured, it can sideline you for a while,” he said about missing out on his own tournament. Woods’ plan is to return for the next major, but he did go on to say that his elbow is not 100 percent but that it will be “good enough” by the time mid-July rolls around.
“Obviously I’m disappointed about not being able to play,” Woods said about the AT&T National. “I’ll be watching.”
His last appearance came at the U.S. Open where he fell apart next to Rory McIlroy, who also struggled on the difficult course. The elbow injury initially came during the Players Championship, which he played through until his withdrawal this week.
Tiger Woods at the British Open has been a success in the past as he’s won the event three times, but he failed to make the cut in 2009. Nevertheless, his struggles at the U.S. Open in his last appearance don’t seem to be affecting him one bit.
“I pushed it pretty good at the Open to play it and to play through it,” he added. “Made it worse by hitting the ball out of the rough and eventually got to a point where I wasn’t able to play here.”
Tiger has always been one of the most competitive golfers of his generation and more than likely of all-time, so missing out on his own tournament is disappointing for the 37-year-old.
“We’re treating it and eventually I’ll start the strengthening process,” he explained. “Then start hitting balls and get up to speed for the British.”
Do you think the elbow injury will affect Tiger Woods when he takes on the British Open in July?
[Image via Keith Allison ]
