Tiger Woods says he is taking an indefinite leave of absence from golf, days after he pulled out of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines.
Tiger Woods Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The American former world number says he does not plan to return to the PGA Tour until he feels his game is "tournament-ready."
The 14-times major champion, who had back surgery last year, withdrew from last week's tournament, his second start of the season, after just 11 holes due to a painful back.
"Right now, I need a lot of work on my game, and to still spend time with the people that are important to me," he said.
"I'd like to play the (Feb. 26-Mar. 1) Honda Classic -- it's a tournament in my hometown and it's important to me -- but I won't be there unless my game is tournament-ready. That's not fair to anyone."
