Tiger Woods ‘pain-free’ before PGA Tour return at Genesis Invitational

Tiger Woods, the legendary golfer with 15 major championships under his belt, is gearing up for his first PGA Tour event of 2024 at the Genesis Invitational, starting this Thursday. Despite undergoing ankle surgery in April 2023, Woods expresses optimism, stating he is now “pain-free.” However, he acknowledges the ongoing process of adaptation following the surgery.

Woods, now 48, has faced a series of physical setbacks, including a leg injury from a car crash in 2021 and subsequent surgeries. Reflecting on his recovery, he mentions that while his ankle no longer causes him discomfort, other parts of his body have had to compensate, akin to the adjustments his body made after his back fusion surgery.

His competitive schedule has been limited, with his last appearance on the tour dating back to December. However, Woods remains committed to the game, aiming to participate in one event per month this year. Despite setbacks, his passion for golf remains undiminished, as he expresses his love for competition and the sport itself, vowing to continue playing for as long as possible.

The former world number one withdrew from the Masters in 2023 but made a comeback at the Hero World Challenge later that year. Despite the challenges, Woods retains his ambition and competitive spirit, determined to add to his illustrious career that includes a record-tying 82 Tour victories, with his last triumph at the 2019 Zozo Championship in Japan.