Tiger Woods will miss the 2014 Masters due to a back injury (Chase McAlpine/Creative Commons)

Woods, the four-time winner of the green jacket, announced his withdrawal from the Masters on Tuesday following back surgery earlier this week, according to a report on ESPN.

"After attempting to get ready for the Masters, and failing to make the necessary progress, I decided, in consultation with my doctors, to have this procedure done," Woods, 38, said in a statement.  

“It's a week that's very special to me. It also looks like I'll be forced to miss several upcoming tournaments to focus on my rehabilitation and getting healthy.”

Despite winning 79 PGA Tour events and 14 majors, the sight of Woods’ body breaking down has become a common occurrence. This marks the fifth time Woods has missed a major since winning the 2008 US Open.

The statement also said that the target is for the world no. 1 to return to the circuit by “sometime this summer.” However, it is unclear if Woods will return for the upcoming US Open (June 12-15) or the Open Championship (July 17-20).

Woods is not the only big name struggling with injury issues leading up to the first major of the year – a fact that might not bode well for event organizers. Three-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson withdrew for the second time this year, when he pulled out of the Texas Open last Saturday.

Read more at ESPN.com.

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