Tiger Woods insists he is still targeting Jack Nicklaus’ record haul of 18 major titles despite back surgery forcing him to miss the US Masters for the first time in his career.No doubt his loss is a huge blow to the event but it has been apparent for some time that something was amiss.

Woods said on Tuesday he had undergone successful microdiscectomy surgery on a pinched nerve in his back on Monday after being advised to do so for his “immediate and long-term health”.

The world number one withdrew with just five holes of the Honda Classic remaining last month due to back spasms and was unable to defend his Arnold Palmer Invitational title a week later.

In a statement on his official website, four-time Masters champion Woods said: “After attempting to get ready for the Masters and failing to make the necessary progress, I decided, in consultation with my doctors, to have this procedure done.

Woods has played in the Masters every year since since his debut as an amateur in 1995.

The last of his four green jackets was won in 2005, since when he has recorded seven top-six finishes in eight appearances.

Phil Mickelson and Jason Day are also all fighting with injury as the Masters looms, just a week away.

Mickelson, World No.5, withdrew from last week’s Valero Texas Open in the third round after pulling an oblique muscle while hitting his driver.

“I pulled a muscle on my downswing trying to hit the ball hard on the second hole. It just killed and it wouldn’t subside for 10 or 12 seconds,” said Mickelson in a statement.

World No.4 Jason Day has a thumb injury and has withdrawn from the last PGA Tournament before the Masters, the WGC-Cadillac Championship on Thursday. The Australian, who came tied-second in 2011 and third last year, is back ‘hitting limited golf balls’ and will be hoping to emulate compatriot Adam Scott who got his hands on the Green Jacket last year.  With Woods now missing and other top stars struggling, Rory McIlroy now heads the market for this year’s opening major at odds of 7/1, no doubt if Rory can play anywhere near his potential he will be wearing a green jacket in the not too distant future. His game should be ready to blossom just at the right time.

Other players who stand out at decent each way value are Zack Johnson at 28/1 or Jim Furyk at 80/1. Both players may lack the distance of some of their younger compatriots but they both possess fighting qualities required for a major, something they both have already accomplished. Want to improve your distance, hit more greens, hole more putts then try our new range of demo clubs from all the leading brands at Enniskillen Golf Club free of charge.

For all the latest equipment offers check www.thegolfcabin.co.uk Liam Mc Cool, PGA Club Professional Enniskillen Golf Club, Castlecoole 028 66325250 Get ready for the Golf Season- Lesson Deals now available