Tiger Woods will not play the AT&T National next week at Congressional because of a left elbow strain.
An announcement on the golfer’s website Wednesday afternoon said doctors advised him to take a couple of weeks off before the British Open, which begins July 18.
That means he’ll miss his own tournament next week in Potomac, Md., where he won the title last year.
“I’ll be ready to go for the British Open, and I’m looking forward to playing at Muirfield,” Woods said in a statement on the website. “I would like to extend my regrets to AT&T, our sponsors and the fans in the Washington, D.C., area. The AT&T National means a lot to me and my foundation. It’s especially difficult not defending at my own tournament. It’s going to be a great event, and I look forward to being there to provide my support.”
Woods entered last week’s U.S. Open at Merion with “minor discomfort” in the elbow but it clearly bothered him as the week unfolded. He shot 76-74 over the weekend, the Saturday round tying his worst ever in a U.S. Open, and finished tied for 32nd at 13-over for the tournament.
Woods’ absence leaves a gaping hole in the AT&T Field, though the expected presence of U.S. Open champion Justin Rose should help. Rose finished third in last year’s AT&T, three shots back of Woods and one shot behind runner-up Bo Van Pelt.
Masters champion Adam Scott also is expected to be in the field.
• Marc Lancaster can be reached at mlancaster@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.