Tiger Woods's eagerly anticipated return to action has been put on hold after the former world No 1 pulled out of this week's Safeway Open and next month’s Turkish Airlines Open.

The 14-time major winner said he’d decided to put his comeback on hold due to his game being “vulnerable” and not feeling ready to be tested at PGA Tour level after his long lay-off.

Woods has not played since August 2015 as his rehabilitation from back surgery led to him stepping away from touring scene.

“After a lot of soul searching and honest reflection, I know that I am not yet ready to play on the PGA Tour or compete in Turkey,” said Woods in a statement. “My health is good, and I feel strong, but my game is vulnerable and not where it needs to be. “When I announced last week I was going to Safeway, I had every intention of playing, or I wouldn’t have committed.

"I spent a week with the US Ryder Cup Team, an honor and experience that inspired me even more to play. I practiced the last several days in California, but after a lot of hours, I knew I wasn’t ready to compete against the best golfers in the world. I will continue to work hard, and plan to play at my foundation’s event, the Hero World Challenge, in Albany.

"I would like to apologise and send my regrets to Safeway, the Turkish Airlines Open, the fans in California and Turkey and those that had hoped to watch me compete on TV. This isn’t what I wanted to happen, but I will continue to strive to be able to play tournament golf. I’m close, and I won’t stop until I get there.”