09 April 2023 , 11:26
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Tiger Woods has pulled out of the Masters through injury.
Woods, who was making just his second start of the year at Augusta, made the cut but has been forced to withdraw from the event after picking up a back problem on Saturday. Fans appeared to spot the 47-year-old limping as he made his way around the course, with noticeable fears over his health.
However, the 15-time major winner has decided to drop out of the competition, having completed just seven holes of the third round. Woods seemed destined to miss out on the weekend but managed to scrape his way through after a late collapse from Justin Thomas.
A statement from The Masters said: "Due to injury, Tiger Woods has officially withdrawn from the Masters Tournament after completing seven holes of his third round."
After dropping out, Woods tweeted: "I am disappointed to have to WD this morning due to reaggravating my plantar fasciitis. Thank you to the fans and to @TheMasters who have shown me so much love and support. Good luck to the players today!"
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It has been a topsy-turvy start to the season for Woods, who somehow managed to get to the Masters having struggled with injuries all year. He managed to shoot a two-over-par 74 in his opening round at The Masters on Thursday.
Woods was back at Augusta National for his second PGA event of 2023, having plied a part-time career after suffering life-changing injuries in a car accident two years ago. He kicked off his tournament with Norwegian star Viktor Hovland and Xander Schauffele on Thursday, but things did not get off to an ideal start.
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But the five-time Masters champions managed to scrape through to the third round after a one-under-par 73 in the second round, leapfrogging Thomas after he struggled towards the end of the second round - becoming the 54th and final player to qualify.
In a rain-delayed third round on Saturday, Woods struggled and completed just seven holes throughout the third round, before unfortunately pulling out through injury.
"I've always loved this golf course, and I love playing this event," Woods said. "Obviously I've missed a couple with some injuries, but I've always wanted to play here. I've loved it."