If Woods Had Not Been Injured

A Legend with 82 Career Wins, Including 15 Majors
Surgeries on Knees, Wrists, Achilles Tendon, and Back
Arrested for Suspected DUI and Suffered Misfortune in a Car Accident

There is no room for "what if" in sports. But what kind of history would the "Golf Emperor" Tiger Woods (USA) have made if he had not been injured?

Despite undergoing surgeries on his knees, wrists, Achilles tendons, neck, and back, Woods made a remarkable return to the field. Since his first victory at the PGA Tour Las Vegas Invitational on October 6, 1996, he has accumulated a total of 82 wins. He became the youngest player to complete a career Grand Slam at 24 and enjoyed a period of dominance with 15 major championship wins. His last victory was at the Zozo Championship in October 2019. Even after a car rollover accident in 2021, Woods continues to challenge himself to compete as a player. Here is a look at Woods' injury history.

Woods underwent his first surgery in December 1994 during his freshman year at Stanford University. He removed scar tissue around his knee and two tumors from his left knee. He recovered quickly and achieved back-to-back wins at the 1995 US Amateur Championship. During his first US Open appearance in 1995, he experienced wrist problems. In 2002, he underwent surgery for a torn cruciate ligament.

Woods uses his knees excessively during his swing. He experienced his first slump while trying to correct his swing to protect his knees. He even parted ways with his swing coach Butch Harmon (USA). From 2003, he went two years without winning a major tournament. However, from 2005 to 2008, he amassed 25 wins, including two major titles and six wins in the 2005 season alone.

The overexertion at the 2008 US Open proved to be a turning point. Woods had undergone arthroscopic surgery in April and by June 2008, he had a torn ligament in his left knee. Ignoring doctors' advice to use crutches, he insisted on playing in the US Open. After a grueling 91 holes including 18 holes of sudden death and one playoff hole, he secured his 14th major win but paid a heavy price with eight months of repeated surgeries and rehabilitation.

Tiger Woods won his 14th major title at the 2008 US Open but seriously injured the ligaments in his left knee, dedicating eight months to rehabilitation.

In 2009, a sex scandal erupted. He went through a tumultuous divorce from his wife Elin Nordegren (Sweden). From 2010, he fell into a two-year winless period. Injuries also plagued him. At the 2010 Players Championship in May, he withdrew mid-round due to neck pain. In December of the same year, he injured his right Achilles tendon again, and in April 2011, he strained his left Achilles tendon at the Masters.

Woods frequently struggled with injuries to his legs, wrists, and neck. At the 2013 US Open, he posted a total of 13 over par in four rounds, his worst US Open performance since turning pro. After back surgery, he changed swing coaches over 11 months in an effort to reignite his career, but continued to miss cuts and withdraw, sparking speculation about "the yips."

From 2014, his back injury was compounded by ankle problems. He withdrew in March 2014 due to back spasms. In April 2014, he underwent surgery to relieve nerve compression in his back. In September 2015, he had a second microdiscectomy to remove a disc fragment pressing on nerves. His back condition remained unstable, and he frequently withdrew from tournaments due to poor performance. From April 2017, he suffered from back and leg pain and underwent another spinal surgery to alleviate the pain.

In May 2017, Woods was arrested on suspicion of DUI. It was reported that he had an unexpected reaction to prescribed medication. After the arrest, he sought professional help and began intensive treatment. In October 2017, he was sentenced to one year of probation, along with a $250 fine and court costs.

Tiger Woods barely survived a car rollover accident in 2021.

In January 2021, Woods underwent his fifth microdiscectomy. On February 23 of the same year, the car he was driving rolled over. He narrowly escaped death. He suffered comminuted open fractures in the upper and lower parts of his right leg and severe trauma to his right ankle. There was even speculation that his leg might be amputated. Woods underwent surgery to insert rods, screws, and pins into his leg.

In April 2022, Woods showed his determination by making a comeback at the Masters. He made a miraculous recovery but continues to suffer from various aftereffects. Since the car accident, he has drastically reduced his tournament appearances, playing in only 10 events: three in 2022, two in 2023, and five in 2024. His best finish was a tie for 45th at last year's Genesis Invitational. At the 2023 Masters third round, he shot 82 with 10 over par. Although he completed 72 holes for the first time in 14 months, he finished with 16 over par 304 strokes, his worst score since turning professional.

Tiger Woods has shown a strong passion for returning to the field despite frequent surgeries.

Last year, Woods underwent surgery to relieve nerve compression in his back, his sixth back surgery. On the 11th of this month, he had surgery on his left Achilles tendon, which ruptured during training. He focused on rehabilitation aiming to compete in next month's Masters, but the injury variable dashed those hopes. It is currently unknown when he will return to the field.