Woods leaves course because of back pain

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Tiger Woods has withdrawn after eight holes of the Bridgestone Invitational with apparent back pain.

Woods hit a number of shockingly bad shots in the fourth round Sunday at Firestone. After missing the fairway on the ninth hole, he grimaced and reached toward his back. Moments later, he was driven off the course in a cart.

Woods had back surgery March 31, causing him to miss three months. He returned June 26 at Congressional — about three weeks earlier than expected — and missed the cut by four shots. Woods has reported no problems with his back since returning.

This is the second time this year Woods has withdrawn in the middle of the final round.

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