Golf icon Tiger Woods recently underwent his seventh back surgery, a lumbar disk replacement procedure performed to alleviate persistent pain and mobility issues.
In a social media update shared on Saturday, Woods confirmed the surgery took place in New York. He stated that it was a necessary and correct decision for his overall health and to address his ongoing back troubles.
The exact duration of his recovery and his potential absence from competitive golf remain uncertain. It is currently unclear if this procedure will affect his participation in the upcoming December tournaments, specifically the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas or the PNC Championship, where he typically plays alongside his son, Charlie. Woods has not competed since his playoff loss at last year`s PNC Championship.
This latest operation marks his second surgery this year; he previously had a procedure in March after rupturing his left Achilles tendon. This is also his second back surgery within a 13-month period, highlighting a continuous struggle with spinal health.
Woods sought extensive medical advice from doctors and surgeons after experiencing severe back pain and significantly limited movement. “Scans revealed a collapsed disc in my L4/5, along with disc fragments and a compromised spinal canal,” Woods detailed in his post. “I opted for a disc replacement yesterday and am confident it was the right decision for my health and back.”
Woods` extensive history of back problems began with his first of seven surgeries in April 2014, eventually leading to a lower back fusion in 2017. Remarkably, he made a triumphant return, winning the Tour Championship a year later, followed by his 15th major title and fifth coveted green jacket at the 2019 Masters.
His career faced another significant challenge after a severe car crash in February 2021, which caused devastating injuries to his right leg and ankle, an incident Woods has stated nearly resulted in amputation. He made a courageous comeback a year later at the 2022 Masters.
Since the 2021 accident, Woods has participated in only 15 tournaments over the past four years. Four of these appearances were at the PNC Championship, an event where he is permitted to use a golf cart for the 36-hole competition, offering a less strenuous playing environment.
Rupert Hollis