Tiger Woods made an important health announcement on Friday, expressing hope that it will help him return to golf without a persistent issue. In a social media statement, Woods revealed he had undergone surgery to fix a nerve impingement in his lower back, which had been causing him recurring back spasms throughout much of 2024.
“The surgery went well, and I’m hopeful it will relieve the spasms and pain I’ve been dealing with during the 2024 season,” Woods shared. “I’m eager to focus on my rehab and get back to regular life activities, including golf.”
No specific timeline was provided for Woods’ return to competitive golf.
The 48-year-old golf icon has struggled in his limited appearances this year. After finishing 16 over par at the Masters, he failed to make the cut at the PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and British Open. His back issues, dating as far back as February, may have impacted his performance in these tournaments.
Woods has already overcome numerous injuries to reach this point in his career and seems determined to make another comeback. However, the success of his rehabilitation will likely determine his future in competitive golf.
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The best golfers who never won at the Masters.
Many top golfers have struggled to win the Masters, a notoriously difficult course. Here’s a look at some of the greatest players still searching for a victory at Augusta National.
Denny Shute:
A top golfer in the 1930s and ’40s, Shute won the 1933 U.S. Open and the PGA Championship twice (1936, ’37). He came second in the 1941 U.S. Open but never had much success at the Masters, only securing one top-10 finish—fifth place in 1935—across 25 starts. Augusta seemed to be a course that didn’t suit his game.
Nick Price
