By Tiger Woods faces another injury setback after undergoing back surgery
Tiger Woods has suffered another setback in his recovery after confirming he underwent “successful” back surgery to reduce pain and improve mobility.
The 15-time major champion had a lumbar disc replacement to address pain in his lower back, his second back operation in just over a year and at least the seventh of his career. The procedure was carried out on Friday at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.
Woods, 49, has not yet provided a timeline for his rehabilitation or indicated when he might return to competitive golf. In a statement on social media, Woods explained:
“After experiencing pain and lack of mobility in my back, I consulted with doctors and surgeons for further tests. The scans showed a collapsed disc at L4/5, disc fragments, and a compromised spinal canal. I decided to have my disc replaced yesterday, and I already know it was the right choice for my health and my back.”
Tiger Woods’ latest surgery casts further doubt on comeback hopes
Woods’ most recent back surgery has added to uncertainty about his chances of returning to top-level golf. The 15-time major champion has made only 11 appearances on the PGA Tour since a serious car crash in February 2021 left him with career-threatening leg injuries.
He managed to complete a full major schedule in 2024 for the first time in five years, finishing last among players who made the cut at The Masters before missing the cut in the other three majors. Injuries have since ruled him out of the entire 2025 major season.
Since missing the cut at The Open last July, Woods’ only public appearances have been at the PNC Championship with his son Charlie where he was permitted to use a golf cart and in TGL matches representing Jupiter Links GC.
He had been expected to return at The Genesis Invitational earlier this year but withdrew following the death of his mother a week before the event. He has not played since rupturing his left Achilles tendon while training at home in March.
Woods was not listed in the initial field for the Hero World Challenge, the tournament he hosts in the Bahamas from December 4–7, and has yet to confirm whether he will play at the PNC Championship later that month for a sixth consecutive year.
The five-time Masters winner turns 50 on December 30, making him eligible to compete on the PGA Tour Champions next season. His limited playing schedule in recent years has seen his world ranking fall outside the top 2,000.
