Tiger Woods to skip Arnold Palmer Invitational due to ‘stiff’ back

Tiger Woods is still not ready.

After skipping the PGA Tour event in his hometown this week, Woods reportedly also will not play next week in the Arnold Palmer Invitational, at Bay Hill.

“He is not going to play,” Woods’ agent, Mark Steinberg, wrote in a text to Bob Harig of ESPN. “Back still stiff and just not quite ready.”

Woods last played at the Genesis Invitational — where he was host — earlier this month. He made the cut but finished last among those who played the weekend.

His 2020 schedule is reminiscent of his ’19 schedule, in which Woods played just a few events in the run up to the Masters. That tournament load worked out well for him, culminating with a win at Augusta, though the tightness of his back might be cause for concern.

Woods has undergone numerous surgeries on his back, notably a spinal fusion in 2017, and has said many times that his back and body do not respond on call, especially in cooler conditions.

The next most likely start for Woods is the Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., where Woods tied for 30th last year. Stay tuned to GOLF.com for an update next week on Woods’ future events.

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