Tuesday 11 October 2016 11:26, UK
Tiger Woods has delayed his return to competitive golf and has pulled out of this week’s Safeway Open and next month's Turkish Airlines Open.
The 14-time major winner officially entered the event a few hours before last Friday's 5pm deadline and was scheduled to make his first appearance since last August's Wyndham Championship.
Woods has been sidelined by serious back problems for a number of years, having undergone three operations during a 19-month spell.
The 40-year-old had hoped to play in Napa this week and on the European Tour next month, but the world No 786 admits his game still isn't quite ready for a competitive return.
In a statement on his website, Woods said: "After a lot of soul searching and honest reflection, I know that I am not yet ready to play on the PGA TOUR or compete in Turkey. My health is good, and I feel strong, but my game is vulnerable and not where it needs to be.
"When I announced last week I was going to Safeway, I had every intention of playing, or I wouldn't have committed.
"I spent a week with the U.S. Ryder Cup Team, an honour and experience that inspired me even more to play. I practised the last several days in California, but after a lot of hours, I knew I wasn't ready to compete against the best golfers in the world.
"I will continue to work hard, and plan to play at my foundation's event, the Hero World Challenge, in Albany.
"I would like to apologise and send my regrets to Safeway, the Turkish Airlines Open, the fans in California and Turkey and those that had hoped to watch me compete on TV.
"This isn't what I wanted to happen, but I will continue to strive to be able to play tournament golf. I'm close, and I won't stop until I get there."
Watch the Safeway Open throughout the week live on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf. Live coverage begins on Thursday from 10pm.
