Tiger Woods will not play in 2016 Masters

Tiger Woods will not play in this year’s Masters Tournament.

Woods, a four-time winner of the green jacket, announced his decision on his Web site Friday night.

“After assessing the present condition of my back, and consulting with my medical team, I’ve decided it’s prudent to miss this year’s Masters,” Woods said on his Web site.

“I’ve been hitting balls and training daily, but I’m not physically ready. I’ve said all along that this time I need to be cautious and do what’s best for my long-term health and career. Unfortunately, playing Augusta next week wouldn’t be the right decision. I’m absolutely making progress, and I’m really happy with how far I’ve come, but I still have no timetable to return to competitive golf.”

Though Woods tied for 17th at the 2015 Masters, he missed the 2014 tournament after surgery due to back problems. In 2014, like he did Friday night, Woods announced on April 1 on his Web site that he would miss the Masters. In the 2014 statement, Woods said he had surgery for a pinched nerve. He also added his goal was to resume playing in the summer. Woods returned in June at the Quicken Loans National and later played in two majors: The Open Championship and the PGA Championship.

This year, Woods gave no timetable for his return. The 40-year-old Woods hasn’t played a competitive round since the Wyndham Championship in August 2015.

However, Woods said he still plans on attending Tuesday’s Champions Dinner.

“I’d like to express my disappointment to Billy Payne, the Augusta National membership, staff, volunteers and patrons that I won’t be competing,” Woods said. “It’s a very important and special week to me, and it’s upsetting to miss it. I do plan to attend the Champions Dinner and see a lot of old friends.

“I’d like to thank the fans for their concern and support. The last few years have been difficult, but I have the best fans anywhere, and I want them to know that.”

Woods won the Masters in 1997, 2001, 2002 and 2005. He also finished in the top 10 in Augusta every year from 2005 through 2011. Woods’ 14 majors are the second-most all-time, but he hasn’t won a major since the 2008 U.S. Open.