Tiger Woods has admitted that his recovery has taken longer than he expected after his latest back surgery. The 15-time major champion underwent a lumbar disc replacement to address a collapsed L4/L5 disc in his lower back in October. Although the procedure went well, Woods said the healing process has required more recovery time than he thought and he has found it more difficult after so many years of managing injuries.
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Woods Provides Updates On His Recovery
The former World No. 1 is in the Bahamas ahead of his annual tournament, the Hero World Challenge, just six weeks after undergoing his latest back surgery. Woods said doctors cleared him to chip and putt only six weeks after the surgery, but he still cannot take full swings. As a result, the 49-year-old cannot set a timeline for a competitive return.
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“I just got cleared last week to chip and putt,” Woods said. “So, it’s good. It’s been six weeks as of last Friday. So, it’s been slow. Can’t really do much after a disc replacement; you gotta let it set. Can’t really do much. Now we have the OK to start cranking up in the gym and start strengthening and start doing a little bit more of the rotational component that I hadn’t been able to do while letting the disc set.”
No Return Date Set Yet For Woods
Earlier in 2025, Woods suffered a ruptured left Achilles tendon that required surgery and a long rehabilitation. Even with the slow progress, Woods said he still wants to make another comeback but insists he is not close to committing to any events.
“As I said, I don’t know… A disc replacement takes time. It’s longer — it’s not as long as a fusion, thank God, but it’s going to take time,” Woods replied when he was asked if he was eyeing a possible return at the Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles in February.
Woods will turn 50 later this month, which will make him eligible for the PGA Tour Champions. The Champions Tour allows players to use carts, which could reduce the physical load on his back and legs. Woods believes it is an option for the future and something he will consider, but he hasn’t yet fully made up his mind on it.
Woods has not played in a tournament since the 2024 Open at Royal Troon, but he continues to stay involved off the course. He now serves as chairman of the PGA Tour Future Competition Committee, and many believe he will captain Team USA at the 2027 Ryder Cup in Adare Manor.
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