Tiger Woods, a 15-time major champion, recently underwent surgery for a disc replacement in his back. This marks another in a series of injuries for Woods, who also had surgery in March after rupturing his left Achilles tendon during intensive home training. Woods` career has been significantly shaped by numerous physical setbacks. Below is an overview of some of the injuries Woods has sustained throughout his illustrious PGA Tour career.
October 10, 2025: Back Surgery
Woods underwent lumbar disc replacement surgery, marking his seventh back surgery overall. He announced on social media that the procedure in New York was the right decision for his health and chronic back issues, though he did not specify his return timeline to golf. This was his second surgery this year and his second back procedure in 13 months. Woods explained he sought medical advice due to pain and limited mobility in his back. Scans revealed a collapsed disc at L4/5, disc fragments, and a compromised spinal canal, leading to his decision for disc replacement.
March 11, 2025: Achilles Tendon Injury
Woods underwent surgery after rupturing his left Achilles tendon while training at home. Dr. Charlton Stucken performed a minimally invasive repair, stating that the surgery was successful, and a full recovery is expected.
September 13, 2024: Back Surgery
Woods announced he underwent microdecompression surgery on his lumbar spine for nerve impingement in his lower back. He expressed hope that this would alleviate the back spasms and pain that had troubled him for most of the 2024 season.
April 19, 2023: Ankle Surgery
Woods had surgery to address post-traumatic arthritis in his right ankle, a consequence of injuries from a February 2021 car crash. The subtalar fusion procedure was performed to treat arthritis resulting from a prior talus fracture and was deemed successful. His agent, Mark Steinberg, confirmed Woods was resting and beginning his recovery process.
April 9, 2023: Withdrawal from the Masters
Woods withdrew from the Masters prior to the final Sunday round due to an aggravation of his plantar fasciitis.
February 23, 2021: Car Crash Injuries
Woods was involved in a single-car accident in Southern California, where his vehicle rolled multiple times, leaving him trapped. He underwent emergency surgery for “open fractures” to his lower right leg, with a rod inserted into his tibia and screws and pins placed in his foot and ankle. Dr. Anish Mahajan reported significant orthopedic injuries, including open fractures of both tibia and fibula bones. A rod was inserted for stabilization, and foot and ankle bone injuries were repaired. Muscle coverings were also removed to relieve swelling pressure.
December 23, 2021: Another Back Procedure
Woods underwent his fifth back procedure, his fourth microdiscectomy, to alleviate nerve pain in his lower back. The typical recovery period is 2.5 to 3 months.
August 20, 2019: Left Knee Surgery
Woods had an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee, the fifth operation on that knee. He stated the knee issue had bothered him all summer and he had postponed the procedure. He was expected to be ready for the Zozo Championship in Japan.
April 20, 2017: Back Surgery
Woods announced successful back surgery to relieve persistent pain in his back and leg. He expressed optimism about the reduction of spasms and pain, and his hope to return to a normal life and professional golf free from pain.
February 3, 2017: Back Spasms
Woods withdrew from the second round of the Dubai Desert Classic due to back spasms. His agent, Mark Steinberg, clarified that this issue was unrelated to the nerve problems that had previously plagued Woods and led to three surgeries.
October 28, 2015: Follow-up Back Procedure
Approximately one month after his second back surgery in 18 months, Woods announced a follow-up procedure to alleviate discomfort. The procedure was performed by Dr. Charles Rich, the same neurosurgeon who carried out the previous two surgeries.
September 16, 2015: Back Surgery Again
Woods missed the cut in three of the four majors in 2015 but achieved his best finish of the year in August. This was his last start of the year as he underwent a second microdiscectomy in September, hoping to return in “early 2016.”
April 1, 2014: Back Surgery
Woods announced he would miss the Masters after undergoing a microdiscectomy for a pinched nerve, which had bothered him for several months. He stated he would return to golf “sometime this summer,” which he did in late June at the Quicken Loans National.
March 18, 2014: Back Spasms
Woods announced he would not play the Arnold Palmer Invitational due to lingering pain.
March 2, 2014: Back Issues
Woods withdrew from the final round of the Honda Classic.
March 11, 2012: Left Achilles Tendon Injury
Woods withdrew from the final round of the WGC-Cadillac Championship.
May 12, 2011: Knee and Achilles Problems
Woods withdrew from the Players Championship after nine holes due to issues with his knee, Achilles, and calf cramping. He did not play again until the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in August 2011.
April 26, 2011: Left MCL Sprain and Strained Achilles Tendon
Woods announced he would miss the Wells Fargo Championship. During the third round of the Masters, he suffered a mild MCL sprain to his left knee and a mild strain to his left Achilles tendon. He continued playing at Augusta but later sought medical evaluation.
2010: Suspected Neck Injury
Woods was forced to withdraw from the final round of the Players Championship due to a neck injury. MRI revealed an inflamed facet joint in his neck.
2008-2009: Torn Right Achilles Tendon
At the 2010 Masters, Woods disclosed that he had torn his right Achilles tendon in 2008 and reinjured it multiple times in 2009, yet continued to play.
2008: Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Two days after finishing second at the 2008 Masters, Woods underwent arthroscopic knee surgery to clean out cartilage. He was expected to recover in 4-6 weeks and returned to win the U.S. Open. He then had reconstructive surgery on a damaged ACL and missed the remainder of the 2008 season. Additionally, Woods suffered a double stress fracture in his left tibia.
2007: Ruptured ACL
Woods ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee at home after the 2007 British Open but chose not to have surgery. He subsequently won five of his next six events.
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