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Tiger Woods to Take a Break From Golf


FILE - Tiger Woods makes an awkward follow through after hitting from the lip of a fairway bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Bridgestone Invitational golf tournament Sunday, Aug. 3, 2014.
FILE - Tiger Woods makes an awkward follow through after hitting from the lip of a fairway bunker on the second hole during the final round of the Bridgestone Invitational golf tournament Sunday, Aug. 3, 2014.

Tiger Woods said his golf is not acceptable for the professional circuit and he will not return until it is.

Woods shot a career-worst 82 to miss the cut in the Phoenix Open by 12 shots. He was playing poorly at Torrey Pines when he withdrew after 11 holes because of tightness in his back.

The 39-year old Woods said Wednesday on his website that the injury is not related to the back surgery he had last spring.

"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. "My play, and scores, are not acceptable for tournament golf. Like I've said, I enter a tournament to compete at the highest level, and when I think I'm ready, I'll be back."

His current world ranking -- 62nd -- is the lowest since he turned professional in 1996.

Woods has not won a major tournament since the 2008 U.S. Open. He has struggled with various injuries in recent years.

Woods has won 14 career majors, the second most of all time behind only golf great Jack Nicklaus.

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