Tiger Woods has been forced to undergo yet another back operation, raising fresh concerns over whether the 15-time major champion will ever return to full-time competitive golf.
The 49-year-old revealed on social media that he recently had a disc replaced in his lower spine after suffering from severe pain and reduced mobility.
It marks the seventh back surgery of Woods’ career and his third major operation in the past two years.
The procedure, carried out at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York by Dr Sheeraz Qureshi and his team, was described as successful, though no timeline has been set for a possible return.
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Woods explained the decision to undergo surgery in a detailed post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“After experiencing pain and lack of mobility in my back, I consulted with doctors and surgeons to have tests taken,” he wrote.
“The scans determined that I had a collapsed disc in L4/5, disc fragments and a compromised spinal canal. I opted to have my disc replaced yesterday, and I already know I made a good decision for my health and my back.”
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— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) October 11, 2025
A follow-up statement from Woods’ representatives confirmed the extent of the procedure.
“On Friday, Tiger underwent lumbar disc replacement surgery in his L4/5 lumbar spine for lower back symptoms,” they said.
“The surgery was deemed successful and performed by Dr Sheeraz Qureshi and his team at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.”
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Tiger Woods is the second most successful golfer of all time | GETTYThe news adds another chapter to Woods’ long and painful medical history.
His first major back problems emerged more than a decade ago, culminating in a spinal fusion operation in 2017 that was widely credited with reviving his career and paving the way for his remarkable Masters triumph two years later.
However, the cumulative toll on his body has been immense.
Woods has also undergone multiple surgeries on his knee, ankle, and Achilles, most recently to repair damage from the near-fatal car crash in February 2021 that left him with severe fractures to his right leg and ankle.
The incident required emergency surgery and months of rehabilitation, with doctors warning that he might never walk unaided again.
Since then, Woods has managed only a limited playing schedule, carefully selecting events and often struggling with visible discomfort.
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His most recent competitive appearance came at The Open in July 2024, where he missed the cut and later admitted that his body was “nowhere near” where he wanted it to be.
While no official comeback plan has been outlined, it now appears unlikely that Woods will attempt to resume a full PGA Tour schedule.
Instead, attention is expected to turn toward his involvement in the TGL, the high-tech indoor golf league he co-founded, which begins its second season on December 28.
The format requires little walking and minimal physical strain, offering a potential path for Woods to remain active in the sport without risking further injury.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his playing future, Woods’ influence on golf remains as strong as ever.
His competitive drive, meticulous recovery efforts, and continued role in promoting new ventures such as TGL ensure that he remains one of the sport’s defining figures.
For fans and players alike, though, the latest setback serves as a sobering reminder of how much Woods’ body has endured in his relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether he competes again at the highest level remains unknown.