Tiger Woods, the legendary golfer, has faced a challenging road to recovery following a series of injuries that have sidelined him from competitive play. Since April 2014, Woods has had seven back surgeries, with the most recent procedure performed this month. Surgeons exchanged a deteriorating disk in his lower back during the operation. This disk had been giving him major pain and mobility issues.
Woods will turn 50 on December 30. Perhaps most exciting of all are the preparations being made for his likely entry into the PGA Tour Champions, the circuit formed for players 50 and older. Miller Brady, president of the PGA Tour Champions, confirmed that the organization is ready should Woods decide to join the tour.
Woods has been a casualty of suicides all throughout his prolific career. A serious car accident in February of 2021 resulted in a badly shattered right leg and ankle. Earlier this year, he ruptured his left Achilles tendon, adding to the challenges he faces in returning to competitive golf. Since his playoff defeat at the PNC Championship a year ago, Woods has not played in a competitive event.
Nearly all the tournaments on the PGA Tour Champions are 54-hole events. Competition players have the option of riding in carts, which could relieve some of the physical strain for Woods while he continues to progress through his recovery.
In preparation for entering this new stage of his career, Woods has engaged in whiteboarding sessions with officials from the PGA Tour Champions. These discussions indicate a proactive approach to his potential comeback and highlight the anticipation surrounding his return.
Brady articulated his expectations of Woods, accounting for the difficulty ahead but recognizing the need to hope that Woods would heal.
“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.” – Miller Brady
Woods’ future on the PGA Tour Champions is still unclear as he strictly prioritizes healing his body and rehabilitation. Fans and fellow golfers alike await news of his decision to return to the sport that has defined his life.
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