The world’s No. 1 player announced on his web site Tuesday that he will be unable to play in the Masters next week after having successful surgery for a pinched nerve in his back.

It will be the first Masters the four-time champion at Augusta National will miss since he first played as an amateur in 1995.

“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 said. “I’d like to express my disappointment to the Augusta National membership, staff, volunteers and patrons that I will not be at the Masters. It’s a week that’s very special to me. It also looks like I’ll be forced to miss several upcoming tournaments to focus on my rehabilitation and getting healthy.