Tiger Woods underwent successful back surgery, he announced on Friday, after repeated back spasms and pain contributed to his injury-marred season.
The 48-year-old announced on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that he had undergone microdecompression surgery of the lumbar spine for nerve impingement in the lower back.
“The surgery went smoothly, and I’m hopeful this will help alleviate the back spasms and pain I was experiencing throughout most of the 2024 season,” Woods said. “I look forward to tackling this rehab and preparing myself to get back to normal life activities, including golf.”
This season, the 15-time major winner competed in all four majors for the first time since his 2021 car crash in which he suffered severe leg injuries that make it difficult for him to navigate 72 holes over a four day tournament. However, he missed the cut in the last three attempts at the sport’s four flagship events.
Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi of the Hospital of Special Surgery in West Palm Beach, Florida performed the surgery and “deemed it to be successful,” Woods’ statement added. It is the US golfer’s sixth back operation of his career and first since 2021.
Tiger Woods’ History Of Back Injuries
This recent surgery is just the latest in a long line of back problems for Woods, who has undergone five previous back surgeries. He first cited back pain more than a decade ago when he withdrew from the 2014 Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches with back spasms. Woods underwent surgery for a pinched nerve later that spring and missed the Masters for the first time in his pro career. He withdrew from numerous events over the next several years, citing back pain.
Woods’ back issues came to a head in 2017 when he underwent spinal fusion surgery, a procedure that involved fusing vertebrae in his lower back to alleviate pain and instability. This was a major surgery with a lengthy recovery period and it was unclear if he would be able to return to the sport.
Woods made a remarkable comeback from this surgery, winning three times including the 2019 Masters, but just two months prior to his car crash in February 2021, Woods had his fourth microdiscectomy, a procedure to remove a portion of a herniated disc, in December 2020. This is the fifth surgery he’s undergone in the past 10 years.
Woods’ Future In Golf Uncertain
This latest surgery is a major setback for Woods, and it’s unclear how much time he will need to recover. He has not played competitive golf since missing the cut at The Open in July. Woods failed to shoot under par in any round at a major in 2024. It is possible that this setback could force him to retire from the game, a decision that would come as a great disappointment to his fans and the sport of golf in general.
The question is, will Tiger Woods ever return to golf? This is the question that is on everyone’s mind right now. The answer to that question is unknown, and it’s a question that only time will tell. Woods has a history of battling back from injuries, but this latest surgery might be too much for him to overcome.
This latest surgery has raised serious questions about Woods’ future in golf. He has repeatedly battled back from injuries throughout his career, but this latest setback could prove to be too much to overcome.
How Will This Impact Woods’ Legacy?
Regardless of whether he returns to competitive golf or not, Tiger Woods is still a legend of the game. He has 15 major championships to his name, and he has been a dominant force in the sport for over two decades. The surgery is expected to sideline him for several months, and the timeline for his return remains unclear. Despite his struggles in recent years, Woods remains a popular figure in the sport. His return would be a welcomed sight for fans and would likely boost the sport’s popularity even further. His absence, on the other hand, would leave a void in the game that might not be filled.
The impact of this surgery on his legacy will depend on whether he can return to competitive golf. If he can recover and return to the level of play that we have seen from him in the past, his legacy will only grow stronger. However, if he is forced to retire, his legacy will be tarnished by the fact that he was unable to return to the sport that he so dearly loves.
It is too early to say what the future holds for Woods, but one thing is for sure: his back problems will continue to be a major story line for as long as he remains a part of the sport.
This is a developing story, and we will continue to update you as more information becomes available.
