New York, Jul 6: Tiger Woods' injured left leg has forced him to pull out of the upcoming British Open golf. The former world number one informed about this on Jul 5.

In a statement, the 14-time major winner said, "Unfortunately, I've been advised that I should not play in the British Open...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."

And added, "That's different for me, but I'm being smarter this time. I'm very disappointed and want to express my regrets to the British Open fans."

This is the third tournament the World Number 17 will miss on the trot ever since injuring his leg at the Players Championship in Florida in May 2011. The other two were the US Open and the AT & T - his own personal tournament.

Woods said, "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. I've got to learn from what I did there and do it right this time and not come back until I'm ready."

Reacting to Woods' withdrawal, Peter Dawson, chief executive of the R&A, in a statement said, "I know how disappointed Tiger is not to be able to play in The Open this year. Naturally, we are sorry that a player of his calibre isn't able to join us at Royal St George's, but we wish him well in his recovery and hope to see him back soon, competing in front of the fans that love to see him play the game."

Woods, who has won the British Open in 2000, 2005 and 2006, is four behind the Jack Nichaulas in the list of the most-major title winners. He has won 14 majors and has missed the British Open on only two occasions prior to this year.

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