Tiger Woods still struggling for Masters

Tiger Woods, left, gets the Green Jacket from Phil Mickelson in 2005. Picture: AP

The world No 1 withdrew from last week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Florida because of his aching back and remains unsure if he will be fit for this year’s first major in two weeks’ time.

“For Augusta, it’s actually a little too soon to be honest with you,” he said at a sponsorship announcement for the AT&T National.

Woods has been plagued by back problems since last year but his condition has worsened since the 38-year-old failed to finish the Honda Classic at Palm Beach Gardens earlier this month, quitting after 13 holes in his final round.

Then he tweaked his back again on the last day at the WGC event in Miami a week later, tumbling out of contention with a 78. He subsequently pulled out of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, an event he has won eight times.

“That’s the frustrating thing about this,” he said. “I’ve had a couple weeks off getting treatment, just working on trying to get ready for Augusta. As of right now, it’s still too soon.”