Tiger Woods uncertain about his return to PGA Tour after latest back surgery: "I'm not there yet"

Microdecompression surgery was performed on Woods with the aim of enabling him to return to the golf course.

Tiger Woods uncertain about his return to PGA Tour after latest back surgery: "I'm not there yet"
Tiger Woods uncertain about his return to PGA Tour after latest back surgery: "I'm not there yet"

Tiger Woods aims to compete on the PGA Tour monthly, but he confessed Tuesday at the Hero World Challenge that he is not yet close to achieving this goal.

In the Bahamas, Woods spoke with reporters before the event and stated that he has a "long way to go" before he can return to the tour after undergoing another back surgery.

Microdecompression surgery was performed on Woods, with the aim of enabling him to play on the PGA Tour at least once a month.

Tiger Woods waves to Augusta National crowd during the Masters golf tournament
Tiger Woods waves after his weather-delayed second round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club April 8, 2023, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Toward the end of this season, Woods acknowledged that he was severely affected and knew he needed to take action to restore his normal state.

I didn't anticipate my back would behave as it did this year," he stated through Yahoo Sports. "The pain intensified towards the end of the year, prompting me to undergo another procedure to ease the discomfort that had been affecting my leg.

"I am uncertain about my commitment going forward, even though I could say it's once a month."

For now, rehabbing and getting stronger is the top priority for Woods. He plans to start swinging a golf club again only when he feels confident in his abilities.

Despite announcing last week that he wouldn't be participating in the field, Tiger Woods is in the Bahamas for the Hero World Challenge, which benefits his foundation.

Tiger Woods at the fourth tee
Tiger Woods walks to the fourth tee during the third round of the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club May 21, 2022, in Tulsa, Okla.  (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

"Woods stated that he is not sharp enough to compete against the top 20 players in the world, despite being a skilled golfer."

Despite facing injury, Woods achieved a small milestone this year by competing in all four majors for the first time since 2020. Although he finished 60th at the Masters, he missed the cut at the PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and The Open.

In addition to those events, Woods withdrew from the Genesis Invitational in February after competing in the second round.

Despite turning 49 this month, Woods stated that his competitive fire remains strong.

Tiger Woods walks on course
Tiger Woods on the 12th hole during the second round of the Open Championship golf tournament at Royal Troon. (Jack Gruber/USA Today Sports)

Next year, golf fans will eagerly anticipate Woods' return to the course.

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by Scott Thompson

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