Tiger Woods

Woods has not played since withdrawing from last month's Dubai Desert Classic because of back spasms, part of a recurring injury that has plagued his ca

Woods has played only seven competitive rounds of golf since returning to the game after almost 16 months out following his third back surgery, and uncertainty clouds his future due to his fitness struggles.

The 41-year-old looked a shadow of his former self when he hacked his way to a torrid five-over 77 on the first day of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, and he then withdrew before starting his second round due to back spasms which struck overnight.

Woods was due to speak to the media on Tuesday as the tournament, which is being shown live on Sky Sports 4, benefits his foundation, but initially postponed the press conference at Riviera Country Club by 24 hours.

Tournament organisers then announced late on Tuesday evening that Woods has been "advised by doctors to limit all activities" as he tries to recover from the spasms which saw his latest comeback aborted earlier this month.

"This is more precautionary," Woods's agent Mark Steinberg told ESPN.com. "This isn't about him not doing a press conference.

Woods urged Americans to "come together and do what's best for our country," the former world No. 1 golfer told CNN's Living Golf in Dubai.

Woods was talking in the aftermath of President Trump's controversial immigration ban, which has caused ructions in the US and throughout the rest of the world.

The former world No. 1 carded a four-over 76 in the Farmers Insurance Open to sit 11 shots behind leader Justin Rose of England.

Woods, playing in his second tournament since a 16-month injury layoff, struggled off the tee on the South Course at Torrey Pines and said he was affected by the slow pace of play.

The 41-year-old has won seven PGA Tour titles at Torrey Pines and he clinched the last of his 14 majors -- the 2008 US Open -- at the San Diego track.

But the rain-softened venue proved a tough test for the world No. 663.

Woods, like Rory McIlroy, was forced to switch equipment following Nike's decision to cease manufacturing clubs and balls to focus on their apparel business, and the 14-time major champion has now opted to join TaylorMade.

There were strong rumours that Woods had bought a majority stake in TaylorMade, who were put up for sale by owners Adidas two years ago, but the reports have proven unfounded.

Woods, who has dropped to number 898th in the world rankings in his prolonged absence from the game he once dominated, closed Sunday with a four-over par 76 in the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

It completed a mixed four days, the highlight a second round 65, which briefly raised hopes of an unlikely victory in the invitation event sanctioned by the PGA Tour.

That went to Japan's in-form Hideki Matsuyama, who withstood some last day pressure from British Open champion Henrik Stenson to win on 18-under-par.

Woods impressed on Albany's outward nine for the third day running as he birdied four of the first five holes to get within two shots of the lead, but a wayward driver hampered his progress after the turn and he carded his second double-bogey of the week at the last to return a disappointing 70.

His inward 38 left him 11 shots adrift of the red-hot Matsuyama, who made seven birdies and a spectacular hole-out for eagle in a 65 that lifted the Japanese ace to 19 under and in prime position to land his third victory in six weeks.

The former world No.1 needs four more majors to equal Nicklaus' mark, but the 40-year-old has not won one of golf's big four events since the 2008 US Open and has not played competitively since August 2015 after multiple back surgeries.

Woods was asked in an interview to be aired Thursday on "Charlie Rose: This Week on PBS" whether he still thinks he will get to 18 majors.

"To be honest with you, no," he replied.

Tiger Woods "would be honoured" to captain the United States in the Ryder Cup but suggested he hopes to return to playing duties first.

The former world number one served as an assistant to Davis Love III as the USA defeated Europe 17-11 at Hazeltine, winning the event for the first time since 2008.

Woods missed the victory at Valhalla due to the knee injury he suffered capturing that year's U.S. Open, the most recent of his 14 major triumphs.