Masters: Tiger Woods is out; Phil Mickelson and others also hurting

Augusta National Golf Club could resemble a hospital ward at the start of the Masters next week.

With Tiger Woods already announcing Tuesday he’s out at Augusta after back surgery, Phil Mickelson and other top players are limping toward the first round on April 10 with persistent injuries.

A pulled muscle forced Mickelson to withdraw from the Valero Texas Open last week. Hunter Mahan failed to complete the Arnold Palmer Invitational with hip problems, and Jason Day could not even get to the first tee after a thumb injury flared up during practice.

The status of these and other hurting players may not be known until days before the Masters.

As if things couldn’t get any gloomier, the weather forecast is calling for showers in Augusta beginning next Wednesday.