Tiger Woods revealed on Saturday, October 11, 2025, that he underwent his seventh back surgery the previous day to address significant spinal issues causing pain and limiting his mobility. The 49-year-old golf legend stated that scans had identified a collapsed disc, disc fragments, and a compromised spinal canal necessitating immediate surgery.
The lumbar disc replacement operation was conducted on Friday, October 10, at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, New York. Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi led the medical team, and an official statement from Woods described the procedure as successful.
Woods explained via social media that consultations with medical professionals followed symptoms in his lower back. Tests identified a collapsed disc at the L4/5 vertebrae level, along with disc fragments and spinal canal compromise. Woods expressed confidence in his decision, stating, “I already know I made a good decision” regarding his health and back.
This surgery marks Woods’ third major operation in 13 months, adding to his extensive medical history. Woods had microdecompression surgery on his back in September 2024 to address nerve impingement causing spasms and pain during that season. Earlier in 2025, surgery was necessary to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon sustained during training at his home in March.
Woods’ back issues began in 2014 with his first microdiscectomy for a pinched nerve, causing him to miss the Masters Tournament for the first time in his career. His spinal problems worsened, leading to spinal fusion surgery in 2017, which eventually facilitated his remarkable 2019 Masters victory, securing his 15th major championship and fifth green jacket.
Beyond back complications, Woods faced significant health challenges following a car accident in February 2021 in Southern California, which resulted in severe injuries to his right leg and ankle. Emergency surgery involved placing a rod in his leg and installing screws and pins in his foot and ankle. Woods later disclosed that leg amputation was a serious consideration due to the injury’s severity.
Since the 2021 accident, Woods has participated in only 11 PGA Tour events. His most recent appearance was at the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon in July, where he did not make the cut. Woods completed a full major schedule in 2024 for the first time in five years but struggled, finishing last among weekend qualifiers at the Masters and missing the cut in the other majors.
The timing of this surgery raises questions about Woods’ potential participation in upcoming events. He was not listed in the initial field announcement for the Hero World Challenge, a tournament he hosts in the Bahamas from December 4-7, 2025. His participation in the PNC Championship later in December, where he traditionally competes with his 16-year-old son Charlie using a golf cart, is also uncertain.
Woods’ limited competition schedule has significantly affected his world ranking, dropping him outside the top 2,000 globally. The 82-time PGA Tour winner, approaching his 50th birthday on December 30, 2025, will be eligible for the PGA Tour Champions circuit next season. His recent competitive appearances include the PNC Championship in December 2024 and participation in TGL indoor league matches for Jupiter Links GC earlier this year.
The timeline for Woods’ recovery remains unspecified, with no announced date for his return to competitive play. Following his previous back surgery in September 2024, several months of rehabilitation were necessary before resuming limited training activities. Considering his age and injury history, the latest surgery poses a significant challenge in his efforts to return to professional golf.
Throughout his career, Woods has shown remarkable resilience, overcoming multiple surgeries and setbacks. However, the accumulation of injuries and his approaching 50th birthday have sparked speculation about his long-term competitive future. The outcome of his current recovery will likely determine if Woods will return to the course in 2026 or beyond.
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