Tiger Woods undergoes more back surgery

Tiger Woods revealed on Friday that he had undergone back surgery to address muscle spasms that plagued him throughout 2024. The 15-time major champion expressed hope that the procedure would allow him to return to “normal life activities, including golf.”

Woods, who will turn 49 in December, hasn’t competed since missing the cut at the Open Championship in July. His 2024 season was significantly impacted by the lingering effects of injuries sustained in a 2021 car crash. Playing a limited schedule, Woods had to withdraw from the Genesis Invitational due to illness, finished last among those who made the cut at the Masters, and missed the cut at both the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open before struggling again at Royal Troon.

In a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Woods shared: “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. I look forward to tackling this rehab and preparing myself to get back to normal life activities, including golf.”

Woods underwent a microdecompression surgery on his lumbar spine to relieve nerve impingement in his lower back. This marks yet another back surgery for the golf legend, who famously underwent spinal fusion surgery in 2017 before making a remarkable comeback to win the 2019 Masters—his first major title since 2008.

In October 2019, Woods equaled Sam Snead’s record of 82 PGA Tour victories by winning the inaugural Zozo Championship in Japan. That same year, he also captained and played on the victorious U.S. team in the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne.

However, following his near-fatal car crash in February 2021, which resulted in severe lower leg injuries, Woods acknowledged that his playing schedule would remain limited, likely no more than one tournament per month. In February 2024, Woods spoke at Riviera, admitting that he feels the physical toll of competing “each and every day,” but reaffirmed his love for the game. “I still love competing. I love playing, I love being a part of the game of golf,” he said.

Despite his struggles at Troon in July, Woods maintained that his physical condition was improving. “I’ve gotten better,” he said. “I just need to keep progressing and eventually start playing more competitively.”

In addition to his recovery, Woods is playing a key role in ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf League, as both sides work towards finalizing a merger deal.