Tiger Woods has withdrawn from the Dubai Desert Classic because of a “bad back”, according to the European Tour.
The 14-time major winner only returned to action in December after 15 months out following two back operations.
Woods, 41, struggled in the first round in Dubai as he shot a five-over 77 and failed to register a birdie. He pulled out before his second round.
The American went into the tournament having missed the cut in his previous outing at Torrey Pines in San Diego.
Woods had won the Dubai tournament twice before but was 12 shots behind overnight leader Sergio Garcia after day one.
“I wasn’t in pain at all. I was just trying to hit shots and I wasn’t doing a very good job,” Woods said after his opening round.
