'Determined' Woods hopeful of Masters return despite taking 'indefinite break'

Former world number one golfer Tiger Woods has said that he is hoping to make a comeback at the Masters, admitting that he would be missing next week's Arnold Palmer Invitational.

The 14-times major champion withdrew from last month's Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, his second start of the season, because of tightness in his back, stating that he was taking an indefinite break from the professional game.

Woods, who won the Arnold Palmer Invitational eight times in his career, said that he spoke to Arnold and told him that he would not play in his tournament this year, adding that he hopes to be ready for the Masters, and would continue to work hard preparing for Augusta, the BBC reported.

The American golfer admitted that he had put in a lot of time and work on his game, insisting that he was making strides.

The Masters in Augusta, which Woods has won four times, will commence from 9 April.