Woods a Major doubt after Akron back injury

Tiger Woods withdrew from the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational during yesterday’s final round, sparking fears he had suffered further serious damage to his back.

Playing just his third event since undergoing microdiscectomy surgery on March 31, Woods had completed his opening eight holes in three over par to lie four over for the tournament when he pulled out on the ninth hole at Firestone Country Club.

The former world No 1 looked in severe pain after hitting his tee shot on the 494-yard par-four ninth, wincing as he struggled to bend down to pick up his tee.