Tiger Woods Withdraws from Honda Classic Due to Back Injury After Opening Round 74

Tiger Woods withdrew from the Honda Classic on Tuesday morning after struggling through an opening-round 74 at PGA National Golf Club, citing recurring back issues that have continued to plague the 48-year-old golf legend as he attempts to extend his remarkable comeback story.

The 15-time major champion appeared uncomfortable throughout Monday's first round, grimacing noticeably after several swings and struggling with his typically fluid putting stroke on the notoriously difficult Champion Course. Woods managed just two birdies against six bogeys in a round that highlighted the physical challenges he continues to face following his 2021 car accident and subsequent back surgeries.

"I'm disappointed to have to withdraw, but I need to listen to my body," Woods said in a statement released by the PGA Tour. "The back stiffened up overnight, and after consulting with my medical team, we decided it was best to pull out now rather than risk further injury. I'll take some time to rest and evaluate the situation before making any decisions about upcoming tournaments."

Woods had entered the Honda Classic seeking his first top-10 finish since the 2022 Masters, but his opening round showed familiar signs of the physical limitations that have restricted his playing schedule in recent years. The former world No. 1 hit just 8 of 14 fairways and needed 32 putts, statistics that reflected both his ongoing swing struggles and the mental challenge of competing through discomfort.

The withdrawal raises questions about Woods' ability to compete in the upcoming Players Championship and Masters Tournament, two events he has targeted as priorities for his limited 2026 schedule. His medical team has been working to manage his back condition through a combination of treatment and careful scheduling, but Tuesday's withdrawal suggests the issues remain significant.

This marks Woods' fourth withdrawal from a tournament since his car accident, highlighting the ongoing battle he faces to compete at the highest level while managing his physical limitations. Despite the setback, Woods remains committed to playing select events throughout 2026, with his team emphasizing that Tuesday's decision was precautionary rather than indicative of a serious deterioration. His next scheduled appearance is the Players Championship in three weeks, though that participation now appears uncertain given the recurring nature of his back problems.