Tiger Woods Injury: Setback at Cadillac Championship Signals Further Decline

After entering the final round of the Cadillac Championship eight strokes behind but hoping for at least some kind of resurgence, Tiger Woods abruptly exited the tournament on Sunday after 11 holes, signaling that—despite signs of a comeback—he isn't quite on his way back yet.

Woods has managed to impress his competition in recent weeks, offering hope that maybe, after years of personal turmoil and injuries and surgeries, he was back to legendary form. After Woods' exit on Sunday, Rory McIlroy told ESPN.com's Bob Harig:

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It's a shame because he looked like he was coming out this year, swinging it really well, playing good, getting himself into contention. It's probably just precautionary, but I really hope he's healthy for the Masters, because obviously it would be a great week with him there.

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So now this. Another setback. Possibly another rehabilitation and another mountain for Woods to climb en route to proving that he really can be dominant again.

But can he?

On Sunday, after a 321-yard drive on the 12th hole, Woods left the TPC Blue Monster at Doral and was transported straight to his courtesy car. At the time, he didn't offer much information about the injury, aside from the fact that it was in his left leg—definitely a warning sign, considering Woods' surgery on his left knee not too long ago.

Later on Sunday, Woods released the following statement, according to Yahoo Sports' Jay Busbee:

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I felt tightness in my left Achilles warming up this morning, and it continued to get progressively worse. After hitting my tee shot at 12, I decided it was necessary to withdraw. In the past, I may have tried to continue to play, but this time, I decided to do what I thought was necessary.

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The one thing Woods cannot do is try to come back too soon, like he did last year, when he injured his Achilles at the Masters and attempted a comeback just over a month later at the Players Championship. He had to withdraw after nine holes.

It's obvious that Woods still has the drive and the motivation to be the best, but he's never going to be the best—ever again—if he keeps being forced to take time off because of these injuries. He needs to kick them for good. His road back from last year's knee injury has been too rocky, too inconsistent and he hasn't won anything on the PGA Tour since 2009.

If this injury is truly serious, the worst thing Woods can do for himself is rush back to the course. Even he admitted it in his statement: He's rushed himself back from injuries before, and it has cost him.

It will hurt if Woods has to miss the Masters in April, but it will hurt a lot more if he has to bow out of yet another tournament. Woods isn't the same golfer he was in 2009, but as long as he gives himself the proper time to heal, at least he has a shot at regaining his form.

If he doesn't give himself time, there's just no chance.