Tiger Woods's relentless pursuit of his golf career has taken another turn, as he recently underwent his seventh back surgery. This time, the procedure involved replacing a disc in his lower back, a move aimed at addressing persistent pain and mobility issues. Woods shared the news via social media, expressing his belief that this was the right decision for his health. But here's where it gets controversial... the frequency of these surgeries raises questions about the long-term impact on his career.
The surgery took place in New York, and while Woods didn't specify a return timeline, it casts doubt on his participation in upcoming events like the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas or the PNC Championship with his son, Charlie, both scheduled for December.
This surgery marks his second of the year, following a procedure in March to address a ruptured left Achilles tendon, and his second back surgery in just over a year. Woods consulted with medical professionals, who determined the need for the disc replacement due to a collapsed disc, disc fragments, and a compromised spinal canal. He stated, "I opted to have my disc replaced yesterday, and I already know I made a good decisions for my health and my back."
Woods's history with back issues dates back to April 2014, when he had his first surgery. He later underwent lower back fusion in 2017. Despite these challenges, he achieved remarkable success, including winning the Tour Championship in 2018 and securing his 15th major title at the 2019 Masters.
And this is the part most people miss... Woods's body has endured significant trauma over the past five years, including a severe car crash in February 2021 that resulted in a shattered right leg and ankle, an injury that nearly led to amputation. He made a comeback at the 2022 Masters, a testament to his resilience.
Since the car crash, Woods has played only 15 times in the last four years, with four of those appearances at the PNC Championship, where he's allowed to use a cart.
What do you think about Woods's persistent battle with injuries? Do you believe he can make a successful return to competitive golf? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
