In a statement issued on his website tigerwoods.com, the former World No.1 revealed he had officially withdrawn from the Safeway event as well as next month’s Turkish Airlines Open on the European Tour. He stated he was simply “not yet ready” to compete.

Woods has not played a tournament round since August 2015 when he finished T10 in the Wyndham Championship. Speculation about his return after his third back surgery in as many years has been swirling around the golf world for months and it was only five weeks ago that he announced he would comeback at Safeway and play two more events before the end of the year.

Last Friday, he confirmed he definitely play this week, which sparked a stampede of late ticket sales that saw the ‘Sold Out’ sign posted at the event for the first time in its history.

Tiger Woods in full flight during his last tournament round in August 2015. PHOTO: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

Then, earlier today, he announced his withdrawal.

“After a lot of soul searching and honest reflection, I know that I am not yet ready to play on the PGA Tour or compete in Turkey,” the statement read.

“My health is good, and I feel strong, but my game is vulnerable and not where it needs to be.

“When I announced last week I was going to Safeway, I had every intention of playing, or I wouldn't have committed.

“I spent a week with the US Ryder Cup Team, an honour and experience that inspired me even more to play.

“I practiced the last several days in California, but after a lot of hours, I knew I wasn't ready to compete against the best golfers in the world. I will continue to work hard, and plan to play at my foundation's event, the Hero World Challenge, in Albany. - Tiger Woods 

“I would like to apologise and send my regrets to Safeway, the Turkish Airlines Open, the fans in California and Turkey and those that had hoped to watch me compete on TV.

“This isn't what I wanted to happen, but I will continue to strive to be able to play tournament golf. I'm close, and I won't stop until I get there.”