Tiger Woods

Woods, speaking during an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America", returned to the PGA Tour in January after a 17-month absence but has struggled with a nagging back problem.

"I'm trying everything I can just to be able to get back and play," Woods said when asked if he thought he had a chance of playing in the Masters in just over two weeks.

"I love that event. It's meant so much to me in my life. It's the first major I ever played back in '95. It has so much history and meaning to me that I'd love to get back."

Woods has not played since withdrawing from last month's Dubai Desert Classic because of back spasms, part of a recurring injury that has plagued his ca

Woods, who has struggled mightily in his much-anticipated comeback this year following back surgery, said on his website he will be unable to compete in next week's Genesis Open in California and the following week's Honda Classic in Florida.

"My doctors have advised me not to play the next two weeks, to continue my treatment and to let my back calm down," said Woods. "This is not what I was hoping for or expecting."

Woods's possible playing schedule will be determined at a later date after his back is reassessed, according to his website.

Woods urged Americans to "come together and do what's best for our country," the former world No. 1 golfer told CNN's Living Golf in Dubai.

Woods was talking in the aftermath of President Trump's controversial immigration ban, which has caused ructions in the US and throughout the rest of the world.

The former world No. 1 carded a four-over 76 in the Farmers Insurance Open to sit 11 shots behind leader Justin Rose of England.

Woods, playing in his second tournament since a 16-month injury layoff, struggled off the tee on the South Course at Torrey Pines and said he was affected by the slow pace of play.

The 41-year-old has won seven PGA Tour titles at Torrey Pines and he clinched the last of his 14 majors -- the 2008 US Open -- at the San Diego track.

But the rain-softened venue proved a tough test for the world No. 663.

Woods, who has dropped to number 898th in the world rankings in his prolonged absence from the game he once dominated, closed Sunday with a four-over par 76 in the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

It completed a mixed four days, the highlight a second round 65, which briefly raised hopes of an unlikely victory in the invitation event sanctioned by the PGA Tour.

That went to Japan's in-form Hideki Matsuyama, who withstood some last day pressure from British Open champion Henrik Stenson to win on 18-under-par.

 "I am excited to make my return at the Hero World Challenge," the 14-times major winner was quoted as saying.

The Tiger Woods Foundation is a charitable beneficiary of the tournament.

The 40-year-old American has been sidelined for 15 months due to back-related issues.

Woods was set to play in the PGA Tour's first event of the new season - the Safewat Open, last month but pulled out just days before the first round.

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Woods, who is set to make his PGA Tour return at the Hero World Challenge in December, has won more WGC events than any other golfer in history.

With 18 wins in these competitions, he has 15 more than the next closest (Dustin Johnson and Geoff Ogilvy have three).

McIlroy was asked why Woods found so much success in these events and he did not hold back.

"Honestly I think because of the no-cut format," McIlroy said. "I think that's probably a big thing to do with it. You play with a little more freedom.

The former world No.1 needs four more majors to equal Nicklaus' mark, but the 40-year-old has not won one of golf's big four events since the 2008 US Open and has not played competitively since August 2015 after multiple back surgeries.

Woods was asked in an interview to be aired Thursday on "Charlie Rose: This Week on PBS" whether he still thinks he will get to 18 majors.

"To be honest with you, no," he replied.

Wednesday marked the second day of practice rounds at Hazeltine National Golf Club, and Woods was once again an accessible presence on the course for players to talk to for advice.

Woods followed the group consisting of Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed, Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar for the second straight day, but players outside of that pod have enjoyed his presence as well.

Phil Mickelson spoke about Woods' influence in the locker room, and his desire to help the team play their best golf.