Golfing icon Tiger Woods has delivered a sobering update on his physical condition, admitting that his recovery from a recent back operation is progressing slower than he had anticipated.
A Painful Setback in a Long Road Back
The 15-time major champion underwent a lumbar microdiscectomy procedure on 10 October. This latest surgery adds to an extensive history of injuries that have severely limited his playing time in recent years. Woods has not completed a round on the PGA Tour since missing the cut at The Open Championship in July 2024 at Royal Troon.
Speaking on Tuesday, the American star provided a glimpse into his current rehabilitation. He revealed that he was only cleared to begin chipping and putting last week, a small but significant step. However, he was quick to temper expectations, emphasising that a return to competitive golf remains some distance away.
A Glimpse Into Tiger's Mindset and Future
Woods's competitive appearances have been increasingly sparse. He played just three tournaments in 2022, only two in 2023, and made five starts in 2024. His performances this year were underwhelming, with missed cuts at the PGA Championship, the US Open, and The Open. His world ranking has continued to slide as a result of his absence.
In October, The Daily Mail consulted a source close to the golfer, who provided insight into Woods's mindset. "He's not stupid. He knows things are coming to an end and he's accepting that," the source admitted. The source added that while Woods has no plans for a formal retirement, he is "winding down" and harbours a desire for one more strong major performance. "He wants to finish his career with a bang, not a whimper. But right now, it's wait and see."
Recovery Remains the Sole Priority
The primary focus for Woods, according to the insider, is unequivocally his health. His future in the sport hinges entirely on his physical recovery. "He's not in denial, but he wants to push until he can't push anymore. Whether he's there or not depends on his recovery. It seems pretty likely that he will [try]," the source stated.
Tiger Woods will turn 50 years old on 30 December, a milestone that will make him eligible to compete on the PGA Tour Champions senior circuit. Whether he chooses to pursue that path, or makes one final push on the main tour, is a decision entirely dependent on the success of his current rehabilitation journey.
