Tiger Woods gives health update as golf legend teases return in first public appearance in weeks

Woods said: "I'm probably gonna play 25 events on both tours, and I think that should cover most of the year, right?"

However, the golf legend swiftly turned serious, acknowledging he remains a considerable distance from any concrete decisions regarding his playing schedule.

He said: "I'm a way away from that part of it and that type of decision and that type of commitment level."

Woods disclosed that medical professionals gave him the green light just last week to resume chipping and putting.

The procedure, which took place six weeks ago last Friday, involved replacing a disc in his lower back, marking his seventh spinal operation.

Woods explained: "It's been slow. Can't really do much on a disc replacement; you gotta let it set."

Despite receiving clearance for short game practice, the 49-year-old confirmed he is not yet permitted to execute a full swing.

The recovery timeline for a disc replacement, whilst shorter than a fusion procedure, still demands considerable patience from the former world number one.

Woods expressed frustration that his rehabilitation has not progressed as quickly as he would have liked.

He said: "It was a good thing to do, something I needed to have happen and it just takes time and dedication to the rehab process."

The American revealed he has now received approval to intensify his gym sessions and commence strengthening exercises.

Woods said: "Now we got the OK to start cranking up in the gym and start strengthening and start doing a little bit more of the rotational component that I hadn't been able to do in letting the disc kinda set."

This latest procedure represented his third significant operation in two years, following previous surgeries on his Achilles and ankle.

Woods' close friend, Notah Begay III, indicated last week that simply walking around the course poses the greatest challenge for the golf icon following his multiple surgeries.

The physical demands of completing 18 holes on foot remain a significant hurdle, particularly given the lasting effects of his near-fatal car accident in 2021.

Woods currently shares the all-time PGA Tour victories record with Sam Snead.

Both have claimed 82 tournament wins.

Supporters hoping to witness him break that historic mark will need to exercise patience, with the legendary golfer having competed in just eight official events over the past four years.

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