Multiple Back Surgeries Make Comeback Challenging
Physical Difficulties, Struggles with Walking the Course
Turning 50 This Year, Senior Tour Becomes a Realistic Option
Three-Round Events and the Advantage of Using Golf Carts
The absence of Tiger Woods, the "Emperor of Golf," continues to be prolonged.
Since undergoing back surgery in October of last year, Woods has devoted himself to rehabilitation. As his condition has not fully recovered, he was unable to participate in the Hero World Challenge, a special PGA Tour event hosted by his foundation last month. His last official tournament was The Open in July 2024. This means he has been absent from the field for a year and a half. Recently, he has only appeared in the screen golf tournament TGL.
Tiger Woods, approaching 50 years old, continues to struggle to overcome his injuries. Photo by AP Yonhap News
The main issue is that there is no clear timeline for his return. Woods stated, "My recovery is not progressing as quickly as I expected," adding, "I think I will know when I can compete again only after I start playing golf properly." Since last month, he has resumed chipping and putting, and is also engaging in strength and rotational exercises to regain his physical fitness. Since 1992, 2024 is the first year in which Woods has not played in a single PGA Tour-sanctioned event.
There is considerable skepticism about whether Woods, who has achieved 82 career victories including 15 major titles, can return to the top. By the end of this year, Woods will turn 50 and has endured repeated cycles of surgeries and injuries. He has undergone surgeries on his knee, wrist, Achilles tendon, neck, and back. In 2021, he suffered a car accident that caused severe damage to his right leg and ankle. At the time, some even predicted the end of his career.
Woods demonstrated his determination by making a comeback at the 2022 Masters. However, due to lingering effects from the car accident, the number of tournaments he played dropped sharply. He participated in three tournaments in 2022, two in 2023, and five in 2024, with his best result being a tie for 45th at the 2023 Genesis Invitational. In the third round of the 2024 Masters, he recorded a 10-over-par 82.
Tiger Woods is watching the first round of the Hero World Challenge, which he hosts, last month. Photo by AFP Yonhap News
Local media outlets are also cautious about his return to the regular tour. Golf Monthly USA commented, "Woods can still hit good shots, but walking the course and playing does not look easy." As a realistic alternative, they suggested the Senior Tour (PGA Tour Champions).
The Senior Tour offers a relatively favorable environment for Woods. The tournaments are played over three rounds, and players are allowed to use carts upon request. This reduces the strain on the back, knees, and ankles. However, Golf Monthly USA noted, "Even on the Senior Tour, victory is not guaranteed," adding, "There are many high-caliber players, so it will not be easy."
It is analyzed that Tiger Woods, who is undergoing rehabilitation after back surgery, will find it difficult to win on the PGA Tour. Photo by AP Yonhap News
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