Open doubt as Tiger Woods misses another event

Tiger Woods has pulled out of another tournament through injury and whether he can make The Open his first event for over two months remains to be seen.

Bothered by knee and Achilles problems since The Masters in April, the former world No 1 last week missed his first US Open since his debut in 1995. Now he has been advised not to play next week's AT&T National in Pennsylvania.

Woods' last appearance was the Players Championship on 12 May, when he limped through nine holes in 42 shots before quitting. The Open Championship at Sandwich starts on 14 July and Woods will only play if he is given the all-clear by his doctors.

On his Twitter site yesterday the 35-year-old, who has not won a tournament for 19 months and a major for three years, said: "Doctor's orders: sitting out the #attnational. I'll be in Philly to support the event. Feeling stronger every day, but not 100 per cent."

He is suffering from a Grade 1 mild medial collateral ligament sprain to his left knee and a mild strain to his left Achilles tendon. The injuries occurred while he was hitting an awkward shot from underneath a tree at Augusta during the third round of the Masters.

The young pretender to Woods' throne - Rory McIlroy - said he is looking forward to the star's return from injury.

"The game of golf is much better with him there," said the newly-crowned US Open champion. "It would be great to go down the stretch with him. I would enjoy the challenge and it's something that I've dreamt about for a long time."

McIlroy yesterday made an emotional return to the club where his journey to stardom began. The 22-year-old said it was fantastic to be among old friends again as he arrived at Holywood Golf Club in County Down with his trophy tucked tightly under his arm. "It's fantastic to be back here to see all my friends, my family," he said. "I can't thank my parents enough for what they've done for me and winning the US Open is only a tiny little bit of my appreciation for what they've done, so hopefully there's more trophies in the future."