'Struggling' Tiger Woods will not play in PGA Tour's Honda Classic

Former world number one golfer Tiger Woods would not be playing next week in the PGA Tour's Honda Classic, as he had vowed not to return to competition until his deteriorating form improves markedly.

Following a series of injuries and a severe slump in form, the American, chasing Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major championships, has plummeted to 66th in the world rankings.

Ken Kennerly, executive director of the tournament in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, said that they continue to wish Woods a speedy recovery, adding that the golfer has been great to the Honda Classic and they look forward to his return to tournament golf in the coming weeks, and to welcoming him again at the Honda Classic in future years, Sport24 reported.

In his statement on Thursday, Kennerly said that Woods' agent Mark Steinberg had notified the tournament that the 14-time major champion wouldn't play.

Woods could now target a comeback at the Arnold Palmer Invitational that runs from March 19 to March 22.

Woods announced through his website on February 11 that he was taking a break from tournament golf in a bid to get his faltering game in shape.