Feinstein: Tiger May Have Been Pressured To Enter The Players

Tiger Woods withdrew today from The Players after playing just nine holes, and Golf Channel’s John Feinstein said he believes Woods “was pressured to play here by the Tour.” Woods missed last week’s Wells Fargo Championship because of knee and Achilles injuries, and Feinstein said, “I think in effect they called in their chit from last year when (PGA Commissioner) Tim Finchem turned the clubhouse here over to him for his Tiger-and-pony show, his first public appearance after the accident and wanted him to play here because this is a big-deal event for the Tour. I think Tiger was trying to do the right thing by being here and showing that support for the Tour.”

Feinstein added, “I don't think he ever should have come here this week. He has had four knee surgeries. That is a big deal ... and I think his first priority should have been to say to the Tour, 'Look, I understand why you want me there. I need to make sure I'm 100 percent'" ("Live From the Players Championship," Golf Channel, 5/12).