Tiger Woods won't return for the Arnold Palmer Invitational next week and is delaying his return to golf, but won't rule out trying to play at the Masters.

Tiger Woods is delaying his return to golf, skipping the site of some of the greatest triumphs of his remarkable career.

Woods announced on his website he will not return after a five-week absence to tee it up next week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where Woods is an eight-time winner. He did not rule out playing the Masters.

“I spoke to Arnold today and told him that I will not play in his tournament this year,” Woods posted on his website. “I’m sorry I won’t be in Orlando next week, but I know it will be a really successful event.

“I’ve put in a lot of time and work on my game and I’m making strides, but like I’ve said, I won’t return to the PGA Tour until my game is tournament ready and I can compete at the highest level.