Tiger Woods says will miss British Open

ORLANDO, Fla., July 5 (UPI) -- Tiger Woods said Tuesday he will not compete in the British Open, a major championship he has won three times.

"Unfortunately, I've been advised that I should not play in the British Open," the injured 35-year-old former No. 1 player said in a statement posted on his Web site. "As I stated at the AT&T National, I am only going to come back when I'm 100 percent ready. I do not want to risk further injury."

Woods said he was "very disappointed" and expressed his regrets "to the British Open fans."

Woods injured his left knee and Achilles tendon in the third round of the Masters. He then started the Players Championship, but withdrew after nine holes.

"In hindsight, I probably shouldn't have competed at the Players, but it's a big event, and I wanted to be there to support the tour," Woods said. "I've got to learn from what I did there and do it right this time and not come back until I'm ready.

"I think my best years are still ahead of me, and I'm very confident and optimistic about the future."

American Jason Dufner will replace Woods in the field at Royal St George's when the British Open starts July 15.

After the Open, the next major is the PGA Championship in five weeks at Atlanta Athletic Club.