Tiger Woods withdraws from Arnold Palmer Invitational due to neck strain

Tiger Woods, an eight-time winner of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, has withdrawn from this week’s event at Bay Hill Club and Lodge with a neck strain.

Woods announced on his Twitter account on Monday he would be unable to take his place in the field after treatment failed to fix the ailment in time.

The 80-time PGA TOUR winner said his fused lower back is fine and he is hopeful of playing next week in THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass where he is a two-time champion.

“Unfortunately due to a neck strain that I’ve had for a few weeks, I'm forced to withdraw from the API,” Woods tweeted.

“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 won the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by Mastercard in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2013.

Last season while in the early stages of his comeback from back fusion surgery Woods made a Sunday charge at Bay Hill only to send his tee ball on the 16th hole out of bounds. He settled for a T5 finish.

Woods has finished inside the top 20 in his three starts this season, his latest a T10 at the World Golf Championships–Mexico Championship.

The two-time FedExCup champion is currently 105th in the FedExCup.

This is the first scheduled tournament Woods has missed since returning from his fourth back surgery.

The 43-year-old played 18 times on the PGA TOUR last season without issue, winning the season ending TOUR Championship.

It was his first full-season schedule since 2015.