It’s always a bad day for golf when Tiger Woods has to miss a big tournament, so I guess you can call this a pretty terrible one for fans. Today, Tiger Woods announced via Twitter that he will be unable to participate in this year’s U.S Open Major Championship.

Tiger expressed his frustration to his near one million followers a short while ago:

This year’s second major tournament will be held at the famed Blue Course at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland. The beautiful course is often put in the category of best courses in America, and was recently renovated in 2009. The U.S. Open will kick off next Thursday.

Tiger’s left leg has been the source of his troubles since he ruptured his ACL and suffered a double stress fracture of his tibia during the 2008 U.S. Open. He miraculously finished the tournament, hobbling his way to victory at Torrey Pines in an 18-hole playoff against Rocco Mediate. It was truly one of the best sports performances many people have ever seen.

He returned this year to competitive play after some personal issues sidetracked him in 2009. At this years Masters Tournament, Woods aggravated his injuries and suffered an MCL sprain and a mild Achilles strain in the same leg. He attempted to give The Players Championship a go but had to withdraw after just 9 holes.

Woods also posted this statement to his website, saying he doesn’t want to risk further damage:

I am extremely disappointed that I won’t be playing in the U.S. Open, but it’s time for me to listen to my doctors and focus on the future. I was hopeful that I could play, but if I did, I risk further damage to my left leg. My knee and Achilles tendon are not fully healed. I hope to be ready for AT&T National, the next two majors and the rest of the year.

Tiger Woods is golf’s biggest draw and the sport needs him when it comes to interest and ratings. Plus he’s just the most dynamic player to watch, period. Here’s to hoping he can return as soon as possible.

Here are some other tweets rolling in about Tiger: