Tiger Woods has apologised to his British fans after pulling out of The Open Championship at Sandwich next week.

Woods (pictured above) has failed to recover from a leg injury sufficiently and announced his decision on Tuesday.

Speaking on his official website, Woods said: "Unfortunately, I've been advised that I should not play in the British Open.

"As I stated at the AT&T National, I am only going to come back when I'm 100 per cent ready. I do not want to risk further injury. That's different for me, but I'm being smarter this time.

"I'm very disappointed and want to express my regrets to the British Open fans."

Woods personally contacted Peter Dawson, chief executive of the R&A, to explain why he is unable to play.

Australian Brendan Jones replaces Woods in the Open, which starts on 14 July.