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Tiger Woods withdraws from The Open

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Will Tiger play competitively in 2016? (1:06)

Jason Sobel provides some insight into Tiger Woods' decision to withdraw from The Open Championship and looks ahead to which tournament we might see Woods play. (1:06)

Tiger Woods has relinquished his spot in The Open.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, which manages The Open, announced the move Friday.

The decision was expected, as Woods indicated Sunday that he wasn't sure if he would play at all in 2016. He has been rehabbing from back surgery last year. Woods has undergone three back surgeries since March 2014.

By not playing at Royal Troon, Woods will miss a third straight major for the first time in his professional career.

Woods last played a PGA Tour event in August 2015, when he finished tied for 10th at the Wyndham Championship.

Marcus Fraser has assumed Woods' place in the third major of the year. Former world No. 1 Luke Donald is now the first alternate.

The Open begins July 14. Woods teed it up there in both 1997, when he finished T-24, and in 2004, when he finished T-9.