Back spasms force Tiger Woods out of two more tournaments

Tiger Woods plays a tee shot during the Pro-Am round for the Farmers Insurance Open. Photo/AP Photos

Golfer Tiger Woods said he was "extremely disappointed", after having to pull out of two more tournaments over the next fortnight, as he continues to battle back spasms.

The 14-time Major winner last week took part in just his third event since August 2015, but withdrew before the start of Friday's second round at the Dubai Desert Classic, having failed to card a single birdie in an opening-round 77.

Woods insisted he had not suffered an injury setback at Emirates Golf Club, but has now said he will also have to miss the next two weeks of PGA Tour action - the Genesis Open and the Honda Classic - on medical advice.

"My doctors have advised me not to play the next two weeks, to continue my treatment and to let my back calm down," Woods said on his website.

"This is not what I was hoping for or expecting. I am extremely disappointed to miss the Genesis Open, a tournament that benefits my foundation, and the Honda Classic, my hometown event.

"I would like to thank Genesis for their support, and I know we will have an outstanding week."

The 41-year-old's future playing schedule will be determined at a later date, after his back is reassessed.

The Masters, the first major of the year, gets under way on April 6.

Woods posted the link to his statement on his Twitter account today, indicating he still planned to attend next week's tournament in Los Angeles.

"Really looking forward to seeing everyone @genesisopen open next week, unfortunately I won't be able to play," he wrote.

In his first 322 starts as a professional, Woods withdrew from just five events. In his last 19 starts, he has withdrawn four times.

The former world No.1 did not look 100% fit at various points during his opening round in Dubai and admitted earlier this week that he fears he will "never feel great" again, because of the number of injuries he has suffered during his career.