Woods to miss season's opener in Hawaii

Tiger Woods will skip the season-opening Mercedes Championships on the US Tour in January.

The world number one has decided to miss the event in Hawaii, limited to tournaments winners in 2005, to relax and spend time with his family.

“I just need some time away from the game,” said Woods, winner of the US Masters and Open championship this season.

“It’s been a long season and I have played a lot of golf. I need a break.”

Woods’ withdrawal is a serious blow to an event likely to be without several other star names.

Phil Mickelson has not played since 2001 and is not expected to play this year. Retief Goosen and Padraig Harrington have also indicated they will not be competing.

Ernie Els did not win on the PGA Tour before his season was ended by a knee injury and Adam Scott’s win in the Nissan Open at Riviera did not count as an official win because rain shortened the event to 36 holes.

That leaves only three players from the top 10; Vijay Singh, Sergio Garcia and Jim Furyk.

US Tour officials have already announced major changes to the 2007 schedule in an attempt to shorten the season and boost television viewing figures.

Earlier this season Woods expressed his concerns about the schedule. “We have an 11-month season, and that’s too long,” Woods said.

“There’s no other sport that plays 11 months of the year. I think we should end with Labor Day (the first Monday in September).”