Tiger Woods skipping British Open

Three-time British Open champion Tiger Woods announced on his web site that he will be forced to skip the July 14-17 event at Royal St. George's in Sandwich, Kent because of injuries to his left leg.

Before last week's AT&T National, Woods said he had not hit balls since withdrawing after nine holes of The Players Championship on May 12.

"Unfortunately, I've been advised that I should not play in the British Open," Woods said on his web site. "As I stated at the AT&T National, I am only going to come back when I'm 100 percent ready. I do not want to risk further injury. That's different for me, but I'm being smarter this time. I'm very disappointed and want to express my regrets to the British Open fans."

The web site gave more information about Woods injuries. It said he was diagnosed with a "Grade 1 mild medial collateral ligament sprain to his left knee and a mild strain to his left Achilles tendon'' in April. The site said both were suffered "while hitting a second shot from under the Eisenhower tree at hole No. 17 during the third round at the Masters.'' It said he reinjured his leg on the opening tee shot at The Players Championship.

Woods, 35, tied for fourth at the Masters despite his injury. He was also forced to sit out the U.S. Open, putting on hold his pursuit of Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 professional majors. Woods has 14, his last coming on one leg at the 2008 U.S. Open.

The next major is the PGA Championship Aug. 11-14 at Atlanta Athletic Club. That's a week after the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club, where Woods has won seven times.