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Tiger Woods won’t play in the Arnold Palmer Invitational next week, according to multiple reports Friday.

ESPN’s Bob Harig said Woods’ agent, Mark Steinberg, confirmed the golfer’s absence in a text message to the network.

“He is not going to play,” the text read. “Back still stiff and just not quite ready.”



Woods has eight wins in the event in Bay Hill, Fla. He didn’t play in 2019, either, withdrawing with a neck injury.

This season, Woods won at the ZOZO Championship in October but finished in 68th place at The Genesis Invitational earlier this month and has played only eight competitive rounds in 2020. At the time, he said his back stiffness hampered his play. The 44-year-old has had four back surgeries.

Woods hasn’t played in consecutive weeks this year. If he is OK physically, he likely will play in the Players Championship at TPC Sawgress in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., beginning March 12.

Woods undoubtedly is resting and rehabbing to prepare to play at the Masters Tournament, scheduled for April 9-12. He is the defending champion.

–Field Level Media (@FieldLevelMedia)