Tiger Woods could be serious doubt for next month’s Masters with continuing concerns for his ailing back.

The 14-time Major winner again endured back spasms during the final round of the WGC – Cadillac Championship at Trump Doral in suburban Miami.

After getting himself back into the $US 9m event courtesy of a third round 66, Woods was clearly struggling after playing an 8-iron bunker shot at the sixth hole when he had to play with his right foot out of the bunker.

Woods had earlier his two spectators (see earlier story) with errant shots at the first and third holes on route to an eventual round of 78 to finish well down in a share of 25th place.

Tiger WOODS (USA) during final round at the WGC Cadillac Championship, Blue Monster, Trump National Doral, Miami, Florida,USA.
Picture: Fran Caffrey www.golffile.ie

“It basically all started on six, the second shot out of bunker, my foot was out of the bunker,” he said.

“That’s what set it (his back) off and then it was done after that.  Just to see if I could actually manage to get through the spasms today.

“But anything in flexion was done, so the deeper the flexion, the worse it felt.”

According to Wikipedia flexion describes a bending movement that decreases the angle between two parts.  For example, bending the elbow, or clenching a hand into a fist, are examples of flexion. When sitting down, the knees are flexed. Flexion of the shoulder or hip refers to movement of the arm of leg forward.

Woods is scheduled not to again compete until next fortnight when he defends the Arnold Palmer hosted Bay Hill Invitational in Orlando, Florida.

But when asked about his immediate schedule, including the Masters, he responded:  “I don’t know, just let me get through this day, you know, get some treatment and we’ll assess it as time goes on.

“It’s the same as what happened last week.  If it flares up, it flares up.

“It’s just a matter of keeping it calm, and we had a quick turnaround here from last week.  It would be nice to have  a week off where I can shut it down and get some treatment.

“It’s all about keep things aligned in my spine.

“As I said, if I feel good, I can actually make a pretty decent swing.  You saw it yesterday.  I actually can make some good swings and shoot a good score, but I’m feeling like this, it’s a little tough.

“Normally things like this, you shut it down for a while and then get back up and get the strength and everything developed around it.

“So it will be nice to take this week off and get everything ready for Bay Hill.”