BIGON Sandbank

Tiger Woods has confirmed he will not compete in this week’s Chevron World Challenge, which he has hosted since 2000.

Golf’s number one said he would be unable to play due to injuries he sustained during a car crash outside his home in Florida last week.

Rumours continue to abound about the true nature of the crash, which saw the 33-year-old collide his Cadillac SUV into a fire hydrant and a tree before being freed by his wife Elin Nordregen with a golf club.

"Due to injuries sustained in a one-car accident last week, Tiger Woods will be unable to play in the 2009 Chevron World Challenge," a statement on Woods’ official website said.

Woods himself said he was "extremely disappointed" not to take part in his own tournament after being rendered semi-unconscious and suffering facial injuries in the crash.

"I am certain it will be an outstanding event and I’m very sorry that I can’t be there," he said.

Greg McLaughlin, president and chief executive officer of Tiger Woods Foundation, added: "We support Tiger’s decision and are confident the strong field and excellent course will provide an exciting week of competition at the Chevron World Challenge."

Woods said he would not participate in any events in the remainder of 2009 and return to action in the next year.

In a statement released over the weekend the world’s highest-earning sportsman hit back at the "false, unfounded and malicious rumours" surrounding the accident.

"This situation is my fault, and it’s obviously embarrassing to my family and me," the 14-time major winner said.

"I’m human and I’m not perfect. I will certainly make sure this doesn’t happen again."

Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell will replace Woods in the elite 18-strong field for the World Challenge, which starts on Thursday at the Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California.