The former long-time world number one returned to the Masters in April after a car accident last year in which he nearly lost his leg. He got off to a great start at Augusta, but gradually dropped from 10th to a final ranking of 47th. In May, he didn't finish another PGA Championship from which he withdrew after the third round due to pain, and has now said goodbye after the second day of The Open.
"I don't know if I'll be physically able to play another British Open here at St. Andrews. I definitely feel like I can play another British Open, but I don't know if I'll be able to play another British Open here when the tournament comes back," said Woods, who was moved by the reaction of the fans and wiped away tears on his way off the course. "That got me," he commented to rapturous applause from the stands.
The winner of 15 majors dominated The Open at the famed Old Course at St. Andrews in 2000 and 2005. A year later, he won on the Royal Liverpool course.