His beloved father passed away, he's won six consecutive PGA titles and two major championships, so Tiger Woods is taking a break for the rest of 2006.

    Woods announced on his website that he will miss the U.S. Tour Championship next week for the first time in his career. Woods said he is mentally and physically tired from a hectic stretch through the Ryder Cup.

    "I'm confident that this extended break will help me to recharge my batteries for the 2007 season," Woods said on his website.

    It is a huge blow to the season-ending Tour Championship at East Lake in Palm Harbor, Fla. for the top 30 players on the U.S. PGA Tour money list.

    Masters champion Phil Mickelson has already said that he has ended his season and Stephen Ames is out with a back injury.

    The 27-man field will be the smallest since the Tour Championship began in 1987.

    (Agencies)