Woods missing from Bay Hill field

Injury has prevented Tiger Woods from seeking a record ninth title at Bay Hill this week – and tournament host Arnold Palmer believes the world number one will also find it “tough” to match Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 majors.

Woods announced on Tuesday that continuing back problems would prevent him from playing the Arnold Palmer Invitational, a tournament he has won eight times to share the PGA Tour record with Sam Snead, who racked up eight wins in the Greater Greensboro Open.