TIGER WOODS has ruled himself out of next week's US Open at Oakmont, saying he is not yet ready to return to competition as he recovers from back surgery.
This will be the third time in six years that the former world No 1 and 14-time major winner has missed event, which he's won three times, through injury.
Woods, who has fallen to No 559 in the world rankings, also said he wont be teeing it up in the Quicken Loans National at Congressional the following week.
He said: While I continue to work hard on getting healthy, I am not physically ready to play in this years U.S. Open and the Quicken Loans National.
I am making progress, but Im not yet ready for tournament competition.
"I want to thank everyone for their continued support.
"The positive texts, emails and calls I have received have been incredible."
Woods first missed the US Open in 2011 when he was recovering from leg injuries.
He then missed the 2014 event at Pinehurst No. 2 while recovering from his first back surgery.
The 40-year-old has not played since finishing in a tie for 10th in the Wyndham Championship in August.
Woods had two more surgeries on his back after that, in September and October.
But the news of Woods not being in the field for the US Open is no surprise after he put three consecutive wedge shots in the water three weeks ago during the media day for the Congressional event, which he hosts.
Woods remains entered in the British Open, to be contested at Royal Troon from July 14-17.