Woods withdraws from play-off with side trunk

Woods won the Masters in April, his first major victory over 11 years

Tiger Woods withdrew from the first of the PGA Tour's play-off events at Liberty National in New Jersey due to a side issue.

The 15-time big champion struggled to a four-over-par 75 on Thursday during his first round since missing the cut at The Open last month.

Woods, who had spinal fusion surgery in April 2017, said he has a "mild oblique strain that led to pain and stiffness."

"I went early in the morning for treatment," said the 43-year-old.

"But unfortunately still can not participate.

" I want to thank the fans of New Jersey and New York for their support and remain hopeful that I can participate in the BMW Championship next week. "

The American was only able to practice Wednesday's chipping and pro-am and joked that he had broken at least 80 during the Thursday's opening round.

Woods plays a very limited schedule since he won the Masters, with this only his fifth start since that victory in April.

His fifth Green Jacket made a comeback of four operations on his back that dropped him to world number 1,199.