Tiger Woods will be forced to take some down time after straining his elbow last week.

He announced via TigerWoods.com, “I was examined after I returned home form the U.S. Open, and doctors determined that I have a left elbow strain.”

Rest and relaxation have been diagnosed for the sprain. It will cause Woods to miss the AT&T National at Congressional Country Club in two weeks. He is the host for that event and his foundation is a big recipient of the proceeds from the tournament.

Woods also apologized to the fans and sponsors of the AT&T National, “I would like to extend my regrets to AT&T, our sponsors and the fans in the Washington D.C. area. The AT&T National means a lot to me and my foundation.”

He went on to add that he would be ready to compete in the Open Championship to be held at Muirfield, July 18-22.

This most recent elbow injury only adds to a long list of injuries that has forced Woods to take time away from the game. He has had several surgeries to his knee. In addition, an unpleasant divorce and personal problems forced him to miss a large portion of the 2010 season.

He did not return to championship form until late in the 2011 season and he has not won a major championship since the 2008 U.S. Open.

He has had seven wins and 14 top-10 finishes in his last 28 tournaments dating back to the beginning of 2012. Woods has regained the No. 1 spot on the Official World Golf Rankings and also leads the FedEx Cup race.

Although he has not performed well in the majors this year his 14 major wins place him second only to Jack Nicklaus.

To surpass Nicklaus’ 18 major titles Woods needs to win nearly one major per year starting now. He is 37 years old and the ability to win major championships after the age of 43 becomes a very difficult task.

Especially if nagging injuries and bad knees won’t allow you to practice and play at the highest level.

Oh well, on the bright side, he does get to spend more quality time with Lindsey Vonn.