Rivals feel for Woods as injury wrecks Masters bid

Steve Stricker was among those who at first believed the news was a cruel April Fool’s Day joke when informed the 14-time Major winner Tiger Woods has withdrawn from next week’s Masters due to injury.

But then Stricker was not surprised to learn Woods had advised Augusta National officials he has undergone surgery for a pinched nerve in his back and would not tee-up in tomorrow week’s first round.

“After attempting to get ready for the Masters, and failing to make the necessary progress, I decided, in consultation with my doctors, to have this procedure done,” Woods said in a statement.