Golf fans all say same thing after Tiger Woods decides to skip the Players

Tiger Woods has decided not to play the forthcoming Players Championship after missing the deadline to register. 

The 15-time major champion wasn't listed in the field that was released by the official PGA Tour communications team on 8 March.  

Woods, 48, last played in the PGA Tour event at TPC Sawgrass in the 2017-2018 season where he finished T-11. 

In the years since his career was threatened by a single-vehicle car crash in February 2021 that left him with traumatic injuries to his right leg. 

Woods managed to return to major championship golf at the 2022 Masters to the surprise of the sporting world. 

But in truth he looked a shadow of his former self as he struggled to complete 72-hole events owing to the pain in his right leg. 

It was tentatively expected that Woods would be in the field for the 2024 edition of the unofficial fifth major. 

A number of golf fans suggested Woods should now retire. "May as well just hang it up until the seniors' tour," one wrote on X. 

Another added: "At this point we all know him even contending it will take lightning in a bottle."

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Woods went under the knife once again after the withdrawing from the 2023 Masters.

Many speculated that was the end of his playing days but the successful surgery enabled the golfer to stand and walk more confidently.

That led Woods to suggest he could play at least once a month in 2024 as the majority of the pain had disappeared. 

Although Woods did concede other parts of his body are now suffering as a result. 

Woods has only played in one PGA Tour event this year, the Genesis Invitational, but he was forced to withdraw with the flu. 

It was initially suggested the many surgically-repaired parts of his body were undermining his latest comeback as he had complained of back spasms. 

But it was quickly revealed that Woods was just unwell. 

Still, dozens of reporters swarmed the car park at Riviera Country Club to try and catch a glimpse of Woods after an ambulance was called. 

Fortunately Woods walked out of the property and later thanked his fans for the support.

Woods has played since, at the uber-exclusive Seminole Pro-Am, but it was unclear how he felt about teeing it up at the Players. 

Earlier in the week, Steve Stricker hinted that Woods would indeed by in the field at the Players. 

"You know, I'll see him next week at the Players," Stricker said. 

"Hopefully he'll be there and I'll be there, hopefully play a practice round with him."

The 2024 Players will take place over 14-17 March. Scottie Scheffler is the defending champion. It will have a $25m prize purse. 

Woods has won the Players twice in his illustrious career. The first victory came in 2001 and he won it a second time 12 years later.

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