Tiger Woods’ hopes of returning to the golf course suffered another setback as the 15-time major champion revealed he underwent additional surgery. Following a serious car accident in 2021, Woods has only participated in 11 tournaments. The former world No. 1, who held the top spot for 281 weeks, has now dropped to 2001 in the rankings due to his extended absence. His last competitive appearance in 2024 saw him miss the cut at the Open.
Initially expected to compete in the Genesis Invitational in February, Woods had to withdraw following his mother’s passing. His comeback prospects have been further diminished by his recent back surgery. In a statement released on his X channel, Woods explained that he underwent lumbar disc replacement surgery due to a collapsed disc in his lower back.
This latest procedure adds to a series of medical interventions, including surgeries on his Achilles tendon, micro-decompression, and ankle. Woods’ physical condition has been significantly affected since his 2021 car crash, which resulted in emergency surgery for his right leg and ankle injuries. With his recovery from the recent surgery projected to take about a year, Woods’ return to professional golf seems uncertain.
Despite his health challenges, Woods has been supporting his 16-year-old son Charlie, who is following in his father’s footsteps in junior golf competitions. While Woods played with his son at the 2024 PNC Championship, his return to the PGA Tour remains doubtful given his injury history.
