World golf number one Tiger Woods will not defend his title at next week's US PGA National because of a strained left elbow after doctors advised him to rest before next month's British Open.
The tournament is run by Woods foundation and he uses as a charity benefit event.
The US PGA tournament, one of the last major US tuneups for the British Opens, is at the Congressional Country Club in suburban Washington.
Woods, whose 14 major titles are four shy of the record 18 won by Jack Nicklaus, injured the elbow last month on his way to victory at the Players Championship, although that was not common knowledge until last week's US Open.
The 37-year-old American has won four times this year, giving him 78 career titles, only four shy of matching the all-time PGA triumphs record set by the late Sam Snead.
Woods expressed regrets to sponsors and fans for not playing but said he will attend the tournament.
