Tiger Woods, one of the greatest golfers of all time, has gone through a medical crisis the last several years. As of April 2014, he’s had seven back surgeries. He just had his last procedure at the beginning of this month. Doctors replaced a disk in his lower back to help relieve his chronic pain and diminished mobility. Woods, who turned 48 on April 30, is crawling toward his milestone 50th birthday (Dec. 30). In the meantime, the PGA Tour Champions is preparing for his would-be return to competitive golf.
The PGA Tour Champions, see above, is for players 50 and older. It offers a special quality of light and natural beauty that suits Woods’s very specific physical state today. As it stands, the events are all capped at 54 holes. All players are allowed to use carts, which would be particularly beneficial to Woods as he continues to recover from his injuries. The tour’s president, Miller Brady, has confirmed that preparations are underway to welcome Woods if he decides to participate.
Few people can appreciate the physical hurdles that Woods has leapfrogged over the past half decade. In February 2021, a recent South Dakota State alum was in a serious car accident, breaking nearly every bone in his right leg and ankle. Earlier this year, he ruptured his left Achilles tendon, further complicating his efforts to return to the sport he loves. He hasn’t played in an official event since a sudden-death defeat last year at the PNC Championship.
Miller Brady expressed optimism regarding Woods’s potential return, stating, “To be honest with you, given the last surgery, I just hope Tiger gets back on his feet and is able to play golf again.”
Woods’ much anticipated return to the PGA Tour Champions now has fans across the globe buzzing. It’s a huge personal triumph for him, having overcome great adversity and unexpected challenges to get here. As Woods moves forward in his recovery process, an optimistic public is ready to see Woods proud, being awarded their favorite sport after his comeback.
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