LONDON // Ailing US golfing legend Tiger Woods withdrew from the British Open at Royal Troon on Friday as he continues to recover from back surgery he underwent last year.
The 40-year-old 14-time major champion – which includes three British Open titles – said last weekend he might not return to competitive golf this year.
“Tiger Woods has withdrawn from The Open and is replaced by Marcus Fraser of Australia,” a statement from the Open organisers the R&A said.
Woods, who has one definite golfing date as he is a vice-captain at this year’s Ryder Cup, said last Sunday he was working hard to get back but a definitive date for his return was not fixed.
“I would like to say next week, but I can’t,” said Woods, who has not played since last August. “It’s not fun. It’s a tough road. I know I’m getting better. I’m progressing, but still I’m just not quite ready to be out here.”
Day leads at Bridgestone
AKRON, Ohio // Jason Day made a pair of late birdies on a windy afternoon at Firestone for a 1-under 69 and a one-shot lead in the Bridgestone Invitational.
Day’s objective was to get in the lead and expand it. He took care of the first part on Friday, though the world No 1 lost a chance at some separation with a three-putt bogey on the final hole.
He was at 4-under 136 going into the weekend of this World Golf Championship, one shot ahead of David Lingmerth, who had a 67.
William McGirt, who started with a three-shot lead, kept in front until he made a double bogey on the final hole for a 74. He was two shots behind. Jordan Spieth had a 71 and was another shot back.
McIlroy comeback at French Open
SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES, France // Rory McIlroy roared back into contention at the French Open, sinking six birdies in a 5-under round of 66 to join a five-way share of the lead.
The Northern Irishman could have taken the overall lead at the Le Golf National course – which is hosting the 2018 Ryder Cup – but a poor tee shot on the 18th hole led to a bogey.
South Korea’s Wang Jeung-hun matched McIlroy’s 66, while Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand – who was one stroke behind overnight leader Lucas Bjerregaard of Denmark – posted a 1-under 70 for a share of the lead. The other co-leaders, Mikko Ilonen of Finland and South African Brandon Stone, had 68s.
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