( CNN ) -- World No . 1 Tiger Woods has pulled out of this weekend 's AT & T National to ensure he is ready for next month 's British Open . The 14-time major winner has an ongoing left elbow injury which he first picked up on his way to winning last month 's Players Championship . Woods ' decision means he will not defend the title he won in 2012 . `` I was examined after I returned home from the U.S. Open , and the doctors determined I have a left elbow strain , '' the 37-year-old told the PGA Tour 's official website . The British Open , which will be held at Muirfield , begins on July 18 . The American will be looking to win a first major title since the 2008 U.S. Open . Woods aggravated his injury at last week 's U.S. Open at Merion , which saw him finish 13-over par in a tie for 32nd position . It was his worst performance in 16 appearances at the tournament . `` I have been advised to take a few weeks off , rest and undergo treatment , '' he added . `` I 'll be ready to go for the British Open , and I 'm looking forward to playing at Muirfield . `` I would like to extend my regrets to AT & T , our sponsors and the fans in the Washington , D.C. , area . `` The AT & T National means a lot to me and my foundation . It 's especially difficult not defending at my own tournament . It 's going to be a great event , and I look forward to being there to provide my support . '' Woods has enjoyed a stellar 2013 so far , regaining his position at the top of the world rankings and winning four PGA Tour titles .
Tiger Woods pulled out of this weekend 's AT & T National Championship with an elbow injury . The World No . 1 has to be recovered for the forthcoming British Open . Woods ' decision means he will not defend the title he won in 2012 . The 2013 British Open begins at Muirfield on July 4th .