Bad back makes Tiger a spectator

Tiger Woods announced on Tuesday he was withdrawing from this week's Arnold Palmer Invitational, one of his favorite events and a key lead-up to next month's Masters.

The world No 1 said he pulled out of the tournament because he was still having problems with his aching back and was unsure whether he would be fit to play in this year's first major.

Woods posted a statement on his website saying he told Palmer in person he would not be able to defend the title he won at Bay Hill last year.