Tiger Woods to Miss Masters Following Back Surgery

Tiger Woods will not be participating in the Masters Tournament next week due to continuing problems with his back.

The golf star made the announcement on his website Tuesday, saying that after having undergone a microdisectomy for a pinched nerve on Monday, he will have to sit out the tournament to recuperate.

"I'd like to express my disappointment to the Augusta National membership, staff, volunteers and patrons that I will not be at the Masters," Woods said. "It's a week that's very special to me. It also looks like I'll be forced to miss several upcoming tournaments to focus on my rehabilitation and getting healthy.

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"I'd also like to thank the fans for their support and concern. It's very kind and greatly appreciated. This is frustrating, but it's something my doctors advised me to do for my immediate and long-term health," he added.

The goal is for Woods, a four-time Masters champ, to resume playing this summer, with him getting back on the green as early as three weeks. No long-lasting effects are anticipated.

"It's tough right now, but I'm absolutely optimistic about the future," Woods, 38, said. "There are a couple [of] records by two outstanding individuals and players that I hope one day to break. As I've said many times, Sam [Snead] and Jack [Nicklaus] reached their milestones over an entire career. I plan to have a lot of years left in mine."

The Masters start Thursday, April 10.