http://espn.go.com/golf/story/_/id/10629862/tiger-woods-withdraws-arnold-palmer-invitational

"It's too early to know about the Masters, and I will continue to be evaluated and work closely with my doctors. I feel badly that I won't be able to play in this great tournament this week."

He will never be the same as the old tiger.

roids, a 5 iron, and karma.

5 iron?

Elen smacked him with one

I really hope he's okay in time for the Masters but it doesn't sound very optimistic. At this point I wouldn't be surprised to see back surgery keep him out of the British, PGA, and Ryder Cup.

No way he misses Augusta.

Yeah it would take a lot for him to miss a major, especially The Masters. What I meant was I hope his back is not bothering him for The Masters.

Do you need surgery for back spasms?

Not enough info. Can get spasms from a muscle injury or a disc issue.

I think if he thought he was doubtful for The Masters he would've played this week. However, he must be close and thought that skipping this week would help him make it to Augusta.

I'm starting to think he may be done.

He's still probably the best in the world when healthy but if this is the same back issue that began last May, and if long breaks from play and plenty of rest over the past 6 months haven't helped the problem, things might be pretty bad.

A lot of back problems can completely disappear for periods of time and Tiger may shoot lights out at the Masters and other tournaments now and then. But going forward it doesn't look good long term if the best doctors around can't solve the problem after almost a year.

Hopefully the issue is eventually resolved permanently and he can move on.

Thanks, Doc. Great medical insight into Tiger's back.

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Thanks, Doc. Great medical insight into Tiger's back.

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It's Dot, not Doc.

He needs to see that doctor in Germany Couples went to. Don't remember the exact treatment he got but it's helped him play a little more o the Champions tour.

How do you not get this stuff fixed by now. His back has been an issue almost every week for like 9 months. You've got more money than Davy Crockett. Hire a team of the worlds best back doctors and get with it.

Given the length of time that it's been an issue, it may be some sort of degenerative disc issue. And regardless of your payola, there isn't usually a fix for that kind of thing because it's not like putting Humpty Dumpty back together. It's more about pain management and limiting the irritation, and he makes his living doing an activity that is counter to being able to do that.

Between the leg and back issues, I think we're just seeing the repercussions of one working his ass off since he was a toddler to be the best that ever played. Parts are just wearing out and he'll just have to win in spite of them.

[This message has been edited by DannyDuberstein (edited 3/19/2014 8:22p).]

I have issues with discs. Have had 1 surgery and 3 other procedures. He should be able to get epidural steroid injections that can cool it down for anywhere from 1-6 months. Takes a couple of weeks to get back to "100%" after the injections. You have to have MRI and discogram first.

As good as these guys hit the ball, could a player make it around a course like Augusta playing at 70%? Obviously wouldn't be in contention to win, but at least make a respectable showing.

Cody
Fightin Texas Aggie c/o 04

Augusta all comes down to hitting the ball in the right spot and putting

so yes, one of these guys not hitting it as far but still has accuracy could win...Zach Johnson a few years ago mlaid up on every par 5 and won...so it's possible

dang auto spell check

[This message has been edited by Our-turn-to-rule (edited 3/20/2014 10:13a).]

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As good as these guys hit the ball, could a player make it around a course like Augusta playing at 70%? Obviously wouldn't be in contention to win, but at least make a respectable showing.

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This makes me laugh