 Woods has opted for a low-key start to the season |
Tiger Woods has withdrawn from this week's AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am citing scheduling problems and a dislike of the course. Woods has only played one tournament in 2004 - at last month's Mercedes Championships in Hawaii.
"For the second straight year, I'm skipping the Pebble Beach Pro-Am," Woods told his official website.
"I don't like the bumpy greens and six-hour plus rounds, but it's also a scheduling issue."
Woods, who will play at next week's Buick Invitational, misses out on the chance to play alongside celebrity players including Michael Bolton, Kenny G and Kevin Costner.
Among the 180 professionals, strong shows are expected from defending champion Davis Love III, Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson and Masters champion Mike Weir.
Played over three different courses - Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill and Poppy Hills - the tournament has a history of unpredictability.
"Playing three different courses, it's hard to get in a rhythm," said Love.
"I always felt that if you could stay within four or five shots of the lead, you always had a good shot on Sunday."
The tournament begins on Thursday, with Sunday's final round returning to the Pebble Beach course.
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