Tiger Woods: Former world number one not physically fit for US Open and Quicken Loans National

Former World number one Tiger Woods has confirmed that he will not be ready to take part in the US Open, which begins on 13 June at the Oakmont Country Club after failing to recover from a back injury that has sidelined him since August 2015. The American golfer will also miss the Quicken Loans National at Congressional between 23 and 26 June.

"While I continue to work hard on getting healthy, I am not physically ready to play in this year's U.S. Open and the Quicken Loans National. I am making progress, but I'm not yet ready for tournament competition," Woods wrote on his official site.

"I want to thank everyone for their continued support. The positive texts, emails and calls I have received have been incredible. I want to wish Mike Davis, Diana Murphy, the USGA, the players and everyone at Oakmont a very successful week," he added.

Woods, who last played a competitive round on the PGA Tour in August 2015 will be present at Congressional as his foundation hosts the Quicken Loans National, in support of the community and the military.

"I will be hosting and attending my foundation's tournament, the Quicken Loans National, at Congressional. It's the 10th year of our tournament, and we continue to support the community, the military and the programs of the Tiger Woods Foundation."

Meanwhile, the Golf legends popularity has not waned despite falling out of the top 500 in the golf rankings – for the first time in 20 years. His official Twitter account was rated the most valuable ahead of World No 3 Rory McIlroy, while also being the only golfer on ESPN's most popular athletes list coming in at seventh place.