Injured Tiger Woods pulls out of US Open

New York: Tiger Woods has ruled himself out of next week's US Open because of injury, he announced on Tuesday.

The 14-time major winner hurt his left knee and Achilles tendon during the Masters at Augusta in April and said he was withdrawing from the US Open at Congressional in Maryland because he did not want to aggravate the problem.

"I am extremely disappointed that I won't be playing in the US Open but it's time for me to listen to my doctors and focus on the future," Woods said in a statement on his website.

"I was hopeful that I could play but if I did, I risk further damage to my left leg. My knee and Achilles tendon are not fully healed."

The former world number one withdrew from the Players Championship last month after completing just nine holes and had been wearing a protective boot in the hope of being able to take his place in the second major of 2011.

"It's been a frustrating and difficult year but I'm committed to my long-term health," said Woods, who has slipped to 15th in the world rankings.

The American had played in each of the last 15 US Opens, winning the championship in 2000, 2002 and 2008, and tournament officials said his place would be given to 23-year-old amateur Michael Whitehead from Sugar Land, Texas.

"We are disappointed that Tiger Woods, a three-time champion, will not be able to play in the 2011 US Open," US Golf Association Executive Director Mike Davis said in a statement.

"We completely understand that he is not fully recovered from his injuries and we wish him a speedy recovery. The excitement that he generates will be missed."

Woods, who needs four more major titles to match the record of 18 held by Jack Nicklaus, has not won a major since the 2008 US Open, nor any tournament worldwide in nearly 19 months.

Apart from his injury woes, he has also been trying to rebuild his golf swing and his private life after the breakup of his marriage.

Woods, 35, said he was confident of returning to competition later this year, possibly as early as next month.

"I hope to be ready for AT&T National, the next two majors and the rest of the year," he said.