TROON, Scotland — Tiger Woods is out of the British Open, the first time he has sat out three majors in one year.

The R&A announcement that the 14-time major champion has withdrawn was not a surprise. Woods has not played in nearly a year as he recovers from two back operations. He has given little indication when he will be healthy enough to return.

Woods said last week at his Quicken Loans National that he has played 18 holes, but was trying to work his way toward playing multiple rounds and still have strength to hit balls when he’s done playing.

He said during the tournament telecast that sitting out has been frustrating.

“It’s not fun. It’s a tough road,” he said. “I know I’m getting better, I’m progressing, but still I’m just not quite ready to be out here. … I know I can play with these guys. I know I still can. I just need to get healthy enough were I can do it on a regular basis.”

PGA: Jason Day made a pair of late birdies on a windy afternoon at Firestone for a 1-under 69 and a one-shot lead in the Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio.

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Day’s objective was to get in the lead and expand it. He took care of the first part Friday, though the world’s No. 1 player lost a chance at some separation with a three-putt bogey on the final hole.

He was at 4-under 136 going into the weekend of this World Golf Championship, one shot ahead of David Lingmerth, who had a 67.

William McGirt, who started with a three-shot lead, kept in front until he made a double bogey on the final hole for a 74. He was two shots behind. Jordan Spieth had a 71 and was another shot back.

LPGA: Defending champion Brooke Henderson and Suzann Pettersen of Sweden share the lead at 11-under 133 after the second round of the Cambia Portland Classic in Oregon.

Pettersen shot the day’s low score with an 8-under 64. Henderson, an 18-year-old Canadian who won her first LPGA Tour event last year in Portland, shot 68.

Pettersen and Henderson, who have combined to win three of the past five Portland Classics, lead by one stroke over Mariajo Uribe of Colombia, who shot a 67.

EUROPEAN: Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy roared back into contention at the French Open in Saint Quentin-En-Yvelines, France, sinking six birdies in a 5-under round of 66 to join a five-way share of the lead.

The Northern Irishman could have taken the overall lead at the Le Golf National course –which is hosting the 2018 Ryder Cup – but a poor tee shot on the 18th hole led to a bogey.

Wang Jeung-hun of South Korea matched McIlroy’s 66, while Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand –who was one stroke behind overnight leader Lucas Bjerregaard of Denmark – posted a 1-under 70 for a share of the lead. The other co-leaders, Mikko Ilonen of Finland and South African Brandon Stone, had 68s.


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