Elbow strain sidelines Tiger Woods until British Open

Tiger Woods won’t be on hand to defend his title at the AT&T; National next week, but he plans on being ready in July to continue his quest for his first major championship since 2008.

The world’s No. 1-ranked golfer announced on his website Wednesday that he will not compete in the National, which benefits his foundation, at Congressional Country Club due to a left elbow strain doctors found after his return from last weekend’s U.S. Open.

“I have been advised to take a few weeks off, rest and undergo treatment,” Woods said on his website. “I’ll be ready to go for the British Open, and I’m looking forward to playing at Muirfield.

“I would like to extend my regrets to AT&T;, our sponsors and the fans in the Washington, D.C., area. The AT&T; National means a lot to me and my foundation. It’s especially difficult not defending at my own tournament. It’s going to be a great event, and I look forward to being there to provide my support.”

According to his website, Woods had experienced some discomfort in his elbow prior to the U.S. Open but aggravated the injury at Pennsylvania’s Merion Golf Club, where he posted his highest score at a major since turning pro.

The British Open is scheduled to take place July 18-21 at Muirfield.

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