More important things in life than a golf tournament: Tiger Woods

On Mar 17, 2020 Last updated Oct 4, 2021

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL - MAY 12: Tiger Woods reacts to his approach shot on the ninth hole during the first round of THE PLAYERS Championship held at THE PLAYERS Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass on May 12, 2011 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Woods withdrew after shooting a 42 on the front nine holes. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

REUTERS: American Tiger Woods sought to put the cancellations of a slew of golf tournaments due to the coronavirus into perspective on Monday, saying the well-being of others trumped the sport.

“There are a lot more important things in life than a golf tournament right now,” the 15-times major champion wrote on Twitter.

“We need to be safe, smart and do what is best for ourselves, our loved ones and our community.”

Woods, 44, has been struggling recently with pain in his surgically-repaired back but had hoped to defend the Masters title he won last year at Augusta National next month.

Last week organisers of the year’s first major postponed the tournament in the hopes of helping slow the spread of the growing pandemic.

The decision to postpone the year’s first major came the day after the PGA Tour canceled the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Florida after one round and all events through April 5.