Golf - Tiger withdraws from Arnold Palmer Invitational with neck strain

(Reuters) - Eight-times champion Tiger Woods has withdrawn from this week's Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill due to a neck strain, the former world number one said on Monday.

Woods, who returned to competition last season after a lengthy recovery from spinal fusion surgery, said he had been dealing with the strain for a few weeks and that he hoped to play in The Players Championship next week.

"I've been receiving treatment, but it hasn't improved enough to play," Woods said in a post on Twitter. "My lower back is fine, and I have no long-term concerns, and I hope to be ready for The Players."

(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; editing by Ken Ferris)