Tiger Woods Undergoes Seventh Back Surgery
Golfer Tiger Woods underwent a seventh back surgery yesterday, October 11, 2024, to replace a disc in his lower back, addressing ongoing pain and mobility issues that have hampered his return to competitive play.
The surgery was performed in New York, and Woods announced the procedure via a social media post, stating it was “the right decision for my health and my back.” He detailed that scans revealed a collapsed disc at L4/5, along with disc fragments and a compromised spinal canal, leading him to opt for disc replacement. “I already know I made a good decision,” Woods said. His recent injury history has significantly impacted his ability to maintain a consistent tournament schedule.
This marks Woods’ second surgery of 2024 – he previously underwent surgery in March to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon – and his second back surgery in the last 13 months. He first had back surgery in April 2014, eventually undergoing a spinal fusion in 2017, which allowed him to win the 2019 Masters. The road to recovery from back surgery can be lengthy, potentially impacting his participation in upcoming events like the Hero World Challenge and the PNC Championship, both scheduled for December. You can find more information about the challenges professional golfers face here.
Woods has faced numerous physical challenges in recent years, most notably a severe car crash in February 2021 that caused extensive damage to his right leg and ankle. He has played only 15 times in the last four years, with his appearances often limited by his physical condition. The PGA Tour provides updates on player health and tournament schedules on their website.
It remains unclear when Woods will return to competition, and he has not yet indicated a timeline for his recovery.
