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Westwood backs Woods' decision to skip US Open

Lee Westwood believes Tiger Woods needs to take time away from the game © Getty Images

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World No. 2 Lee Westwood believes Tiger Woods has made the right decision to miss the US Open in order to fully heal from his current injuries.

Woods is sidelined from action after an Achilles injury he picked up at The Masters earlier in the year, and then aggravated when returning to action too soon at the Players Championship.

Having finally admitted he needs to skip the second major of the year at Congressional in order to recover, Westwood believes the 14-time major winner has made the right decision for his long-term fitness.

"I was injured all the second part of last year, so I know what it's like to try and play with an injury," Westwood said. "If you are going to play well and contend in tournaments, you have to be practising hard, no matter who you are.

"Assuming Tiger turns up at a US Open thinking he can win it, then there's no point in being there unless he can give it 100 per cent. So I can see why he's pulled out.

"I think it's a mistake to try and play injured. I made that mistake last year at the Bridgestone [Invitational] and had to pull out after two rounds."

Woods' coach, Sean Foley, echoed Westwood's sentiments - and sent a warning to those who believe the injuries signal the beginning of the end for Woods as a major force in the game.

"I'm proud to see that he has realised this is the best thing to do," Foley told The Washington Times. "It's frustrating in the short term, but the big picture is much better.

"Anyone at the highest levels of sport is overusing their bodies. The body is not meant to create that much linear force and torque. Go to the driving range before the [US] Open and ask every guy and I bet you he's hurting.

"He will get over it. If you don't believe in Tiger Woods' ability to play golf, you're crazy. Who doesn't go through a dry spell in life? We all do."

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