Back Spasms Sideline Tiger Woods' Appearance at Genesis Open in Pacific Palisades

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA - Tiger Woods announced Friday he won't play in next week's Genesis Open at Riviera Country Club or The Honda Classic the following week in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, because of back problems.

"My doctors have advised me not to play the next two weeks, to continue my treatment and to let my back calm down," Woods said in a statement on his website.

"This is not what I was hoping for or expecting. I am extremely disappointed to miss the Genesis Open, a tournament that benefits my foundation, and The Honda Classic, my hometown event."

Woods is expected to travel to Los Angeles "to attend and support" the Genesis Open, the statement said, adding that his playing schedule after The Classic Honda will be determined at a later date after his back is reassessed.

The 41-year-old Woods withdrew from last week's Dubai Desert Classic because of back spasms after shooting a 5-over-par 77 in the first round.

Woods announced last month that he would play at what is now the Genesis Open for the first time since 2006. He made his PGA Tour debut in the tournament as a 16-year-old in 1992.

-- City News Service, photo credit: Keith Allison/Flickr