Tiger Woods Rehab Details, Eyes Returning Though Uncertain

Tiger Woods’ pursuit of the 16th major difficulty could begin one day, but it remains unclear when that will happen.

The 15-wood victory is second on the All-Time Will list, trailing only Jack Nicklaus. But Woods’ last career has been limited by a long list of injuries and subsequent surgeries. In recent years, back problems have plagued the golf icon. Earlier this fall, Woods underwent a seventh procedure to deal with his back.

In his first public engagement since the procedure, Woods shared his hopes for an eventual comeback. The five-time Masters Tour Masters champion also warned that there is no time for a comeback.

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“I just started the process,” Woods said in the pre-tournament conference at the Hero World Challenge. “Disc recovery takes time. It’s a long time – not as long as fusion, thank God, but it will take time.”

Backwoods issues begin to close in 2014. The October surgery marked Woods’ second back procedure in a 12-month period.

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Besides his back problems, Woods also strained his achilles tendon earlier this year.

Despite the horrendous uncertainty surrounding his future, Woods revealed that he has just cleared the chip and placed. The next step in his recovery involves rebuilding his strength.

Woods, 49, will be eligible to compete on the PGA Tour Champions starting in 2026. Tournaments in that cycle put three rounds and allow the use of a golf cart.

“I’ve never really gotten into the depth of what looks good on the Champions Tour except for a few tournaments,” Woods said.

Woods is not expected to be ready to compete when the TGL season closes.

Woods said he takes a day-to-day approach.

“I’m just looking to let me come back and play. Let me do that, then I’ll see what the plan will be,” said Woods. “I’m a ways away from that part of it and that kind of decision, that kind of commitment level. Unfortunately, then I have a rehab process ahead. At that point I’ll evaluate where I’m going to play.”

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Woods has been away from competitive golf since the Open. The last time he made the cut this season was in April at the Kings. He missed the cut in the remaining three sessions.

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