Paul Azinger calls Tiger's neck strain 'a serious issue'

New NBC Sports lead golf analyst Paul Azinger apparently doubles as a doctor, as he believes Tiger Woods' neck injury is worthy of concern.

"His neck issue, that's a serious issue I feel," Azinger said, according to Golfweek's Steve DiMeglio. "Because if your neck doesn't flow the way you want, that's trouble."

Woods withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Monday due to a neck strain he's been battling for a few weeks.

"I'm hoping he just didn't want to take a chance, and that it's not something serious," Azinger added. "We'll know pretty quickly if he shows up (at The Players Championship). We'll know pretty quickly how serious it is. We'll just hold our breath and hope he gets out there and plays."

Tiger said he hopes to be ready for the Players Championship next week with the golf world eagerly awaiting an announcement.

Despite believing the injury is more serious than reported, Azinger thinks Tiger's desire to compete will push his return.

"I just feel like in his head, if he can't get after it full-gear, he'll stop," he said. "He doesn't have to play. He wants to play and there's a big difference. As long as he wants to play, he's going to do everything he can to get back."