Woods: Frustrated
Tiger Woods has said he finds it "frustrating" that he is not able to compete in this week's USPGA Championship, the world number one missing out on Oakland Hills following knee surgery.
Woods underwent reconstructive surgery on his left knee days after winning the US Open in June, the prolonged recovery period meaning that he will miss the remainder of the 2008 season.
He will therefore not be travelling to Detroit this week to defend the title he has won four times in all - including victories in 2006 and 2007.
However, Woods told ESPN radio on Tuesday that, such is his disappointment at missing out on the season's final major for the first time in his career, he would prefer to ignore the event altogether.
"I probably won't watch any of this one," he said. "This one's a little more frustrating for me. I'm two-time defending champ and not being able to get out there and defend something I've already defended once and can't do it twice, it's a little bit frustrating."
Despite Woods' non-attendance, his presence nevertheless remains a strong one, with Anthony Kim for one saying that he will definitely be missed.
"When Tiger isn't playing, obviously the TV ratings are going to take a hit," said Kim, who is playing in his fifth major.
"The guy's been the face of our Tour and he's hard to replace."
Meanwhile, Open runner-up Ian Poulter readily admitted that Woods' absence makes it easier for the other players assembled.
"Injuries are injuries and we are sportsmen, not robots," he said after practice on Tuesday.
"Tiger's got an injury which is going to keep him out for 10 months. That's unfortunate.
"But I think it's an opportunity for a lot of people to try and take advantage of the world number one not being in the golf tournament."
