Golf legend Tiger Woods has had his sixth back surgery in the past decade, with the latest procedure aimed at alleviating nerve impingement and chronic spasms that have plagued him throughout the 2024 season.
Tiger Woods' ongoing battle with back pain has taken another turn, with the 15-time major champion undergoing his sixth back surgery in the past 10 years. The latest procedure, performed on Friday morning, is a microdiscectomy, which aims to relieve nerve impingement in the lower back.
In a brief statement shared via social media, Woods confirmed the surgery and expressed his hopes for a successful outcome. With a recovery time typically ranging between eight and 12 weeks, Woods is not expected to return to the golf course until early 2025.
"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 wrote in his statement.
Woods' back problems have been a recurring issue throughout his illustrious career. After undergoing his first microdiscectomy in 2014, he has had multiple follow-up procedures, including a spinal fusion in 2017 and another microdiscectomy in 2020.
Despite his ongoing physical challenges, Woods has remained determined to compete at the highest level. He returned to competitive golf in 2023 after a lengthy absence, but his performance has been hampered by persistent back pain.
This year, Woods has only played in five tournaments, including the four majors and the Genesis Invitational, where he is the tournament host. He withdrew from the Genesis Invitational after just two rounds due to illness, and back spasms were cited as a factor in his struggles at other events.
Following his latest surgery, Woods will enter a period of rehabilitation as he prepares for a potential return to action next year. His manager, Mark Steinberg, was unavailable for comment on Friday, but Woods expressed optimism about the future.
"I look forward to tackling this rehab and preparing myself to get back to normal life activities, including golf," Woods said in his statement.
The news of Woods' sixth back surgery is a setback for the golf legend, but his resilience and determination to overcome physical adversity have been a hallmark of his career. As he embarks on the road to recovery, he will undoubtedly receive the support of his fans and the wider golfing community.
