'Struggling' Woods taking indefinite leave from golf, admits needs lot of work on game

Former world number one golfer Tiger Woods has admitted that he needs a lot of work on his game and is therefore taking an indefinite leave from the professional tour.

The 14-times major champion, who had back surgery last year, withdrew from last week's Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, his second start of the season, after just 11 holes because of tightness in his back.

Woods would be expected to compete next at the February 26-March 1 Honda Classic at Palm Beach Gardens in Florida based on his usual tournament schedule, Stuff.co.nz reported.

Woods revealed that he needs a lot of work on his game and to still spend time with the people that are important to him. He admitted that he would like to play the Honda Classic, insisting that it's a tournament in his hometown and it's important to him.

However, the American golfer added that he won't be there unless his game is tournament-ready, claiming that's not fair to anyone.

Woods also said that he does, however, expect to be playing again very soon.

Woods struggled badly in his first two events this year, posting the worst score of his professional career, with his short game in complete disarray, as he carded a mind-boggling 11-over-par 82 to miss the cut at the Phoenix Open last month.

He looked no better last week at Torrey Pines where he was two over par after 11 holes on the North Course when he decided to pull out, his third withdrawal in his last nine tournaments.

Woods claimed that the last two weeks have been very disappointing to him, especially Torrey, because he never wanted to withdraw, and added that lately injuries have unfortunately made that happen too often.