Tiger Woods Withdraws From Northern Trust With Back Issue

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) — Tiger Woods has withdrawn from the opening FedEx Cup playoff event with what he calls a mild oblique strain.

JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY - AUGUST 08: Tiger Woods of the United States lines up a putt on the 18th green during the first round of The Northern Trust at Liberty National Golf Club on August 08, 2019 in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Woods opened with a 75 on Thursday in The Northern Trust. He says his oblique muscle caused him mild pain and he went for treatment Friday morning. He says it wasn't enough for him to play the second round Friday afternoon.

He says he hopes to be able to play next week in the BMW Championship at Medinah, where he won two of his PGA Championships.

THOMASTOWN, IRELAND - SEPTEMBER 30: Tiger Woods of the United States winces in pain from a back injury on the sixth tee during the first round of the American Express Championship at Mount Juliet Golf Club on September 30, 2004 in Thomastown, Ireland. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

If he plays next week, Woods would need to move back into the top 30 in the FedEx Cup to be able to defend his title at the Tour Championship, where last year he won to cap off a remarkable return following four back surgeries.

Tiger Woods