Thursday 9 June 2016 07:55, UK
Tiger Woods has confirmed that he will not take part in this year's US Open at Oakmont Country Club as he continues his comeback from injury.
The former world No 1 has not played competitively since finishing joint 10th in the Wyndham Championship in August last year, after which he underwent two back operations in the space of six weeks.
There had been speculation that the 14-time major champion was set to make a return to the game ahead of the 116th US Open in Pennsylvania which gets underway on June 16, live on Sky Sports.
However, despite registering to play in the second major of the year, Woods has now confirmed he will not compete for a fourth title or play at the Quicken Loans National - which he hosts - the following week.
"I want to thank everyone for their continued support. The positive texts, emails and calls I have received have been incredible," Woods said in a statement on his official website.
"I want to wish Mike Davis, Diana Murphy, the USGA, the players and everyone at Oakmont a very successful week.
"While I continue to work hard on getting healthy, I am not physically ready to play in this year's US Open and the Quicken Loans National. I am making progress, but I'm not yet ready for tournament competition.
"I will be hosting and attending my foundation's tournament, the Quicken Loans National, at Congressional. It's the 10th year of our tournament, and we continue to support the community, the military and the programs of the Tiger Woods Foundation."
The 40-year-old has won the US Open three times, with his victory at the 2008 tournament at Torrey Pines his last major triumph. It will be the third time in six years that Woods has missed the competition.
Woods' place in the US Open has gone to Thitiphu Chuayprakong, a 23-year-old from Thailand who was the first alternate from the Japan sectional qualifier.
Thitiphu, who has never played in a major, has one career victory on the Asian Tour at this year's Bangladesh Open.
I am feeling very happy," said Thitiphun. "I thought my chances of getting in wasn't high. I am feeling very excited now as it'll be my first time playing in a major. It's going to be a boost to my career."
