Tiger Woods taking a break from golf and 'won't play again until he is ready'

Tiger Woods will take an indefinite break from golf and will not return until he feels his game is acceptable enough for tournament play.

Woods, 39, shot a career-worst 82 at the Phoenix Open and missed the cut by 12 shots having also withdrawn from last week's Torrey Pines event.

The 14-time major winner endured a frustrating 2014 after undergoing back surgery but insists his latest bout with injury is not linked. Woods is undergoing daily physical therapy and may consider a return for the Honda Classic.

"Right now, I need a lot of work on my game, and to still spend time with the people that are important to me," a statement on Woods' website read.

"My play, and scores, are not acceptable for tournament golf. Like I've said, I enter a tournament to compete at the highest level, and when I think I'm ready, I'll be back. Next week I will practice at Medalist and at home getting ready for the rest of the year.

"I am committed to getting back to the pinnacle of my game. I'd like to play The Honda Classic -- it's a tournament in my hometown and it's important to me -- but I won't be there unless my game is tournament-ready. That's not fair to anyone. I do, however, expect to be playing again very soon."

Former world number one Woods has withdrawn from three of his last eight competitive tournaments.