The general public's interest in this year's Master's has already taken a hit as Tiger Woods is announcing he won't be participating this year.

Via his website, Woods says he has undergone surgery for pinched nerve, the same injury that was nagging him and visibly affecting his play at the World Golf Championship last month:

 

"I'd like to express my disappointment to the Augusta National membership, staff, volunteers and patrons that I will not be at the Masters," Tiger added. "It's a week that's very special to me. It also looks like I'll be forced to miss several upcoming tournaments to focus on my rehabilitation and getting healthy.

"I'd also like to thank the fans for their support and concern. It's very kind and greatly appreciated. This is frustrating, but it's something my doctors advised me to do for my immediate and long-term health."

 

The name of the procedure is microdisectomy. His website says Woods hopes to be back in PGA action sometime this summer.

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