Tiger Woods has been told to "walk away from golf" after the 15-time major champion was forced to withdraw from last week's Masters Tournament at Augusta.
Woods was making just his second appearance of the season, as he continues to compete part-time due to injuries suffered in a car accident two years ago. Heading into the event, it was always expected to be a tough week for Woods thanks to the gruelling test Augusta poses.
And things were made even harder for the 82-time PGA Tour champion, as adverse weather conditions hit the Georgia course on Friday and Saturday, hindering the order of play.
As well as having to play more than 18 holes in one day, the swirling weather and sodden course only added to Woods' woes. After making the 36-hole cut by a single shot Woods struggled in the torrential conditions on Saturday.
The five-time Masters winner carded two bogeys and two double bogeys across his opening seven holes in round three, as he was spotted limping his way around the iconic Augusta setup. Sitting at nine-over, play was then suspended meaning Woods was required to play a mammoth 27 holes on day four to complete the event.
And this clearly proved too much for the 46-year-old, as his withdrawal from the event was confirmed on Sunday morning. Footage of the 82-time PGA Tour winner's limp proved damning, and it remains to be seen whether Woods will be able to compete again in 2023.
One man who has called on the 15-time major winner to call it quits for good is American TV presenter Stephen A. Smith. Discussing Woods' future on First Take, Smith said: "I watched him limping on the course before he bowed out on Sunday, and I was thankful he bowed out."
Watching the pictures, he added: "Look at that there, it is just sad to see. I think it is time for him to call it quits. I know Phil Mickelson is aged 52, but the bottom line is Phil Mickelson's body hasn't been through what Tiger Woods' body has been through."
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"It is a sad, sad situtation right now - I am talking about his health. he needs to step away." Woods now faces a battle to be fit for his next planned outing, which comes at Oak Hill next month for the second major of the year at the PGA Championship.
Heading into Augusta, Woods had confirmed he was set to play all four major championships but his plans now appear to be in danger. Questions have been raised as to whether the 46-year-old will ever compete on the PGA Tour again, let alone this year.
