NEWSTiger Woods Undergoes Fifth Back Surgery For A Pinched Nerve, Will Not Participate In 2 Upcoming Events
Golfer Tiger Woods has undergone his fifth back surgery due to a pinched nerve.
The 45-year-old is on the road to recovery after the "microdiscectomy procedure" removed a "pressurized disc fragment that was pinching his nerve after experiencing discomfort following the PNC Championship."
Woods’ team announced that the surgery was a success, and he should make a full recovery.
"I look forward to begin training and am focused on getting back out on Tour," Woods said in a statement.
This is his fifth surgery on his back since 2014, when he was first treated for the pinched nerve. Woods will not compete at the Farmers Insurance Open later this month or at the Genesis Invitational in February. However, Woods will host the Genesis Invitational.
"Best of luck with your recovery. Looking forward to your comeback," one fan said.
"We can’t wait to see you back on the course Tiger and we wish you a speedy recovery. Golf is not the same without you!" another wrote.
"Take the time and heal up Champ. We’ll be here when you are ready," a third replied.
Woods reportedly complained about back pain at the PNC Championship last month, where he competed with his son, Charlie.
After the operation, Woods will need some rehabilitation and time to recover, which means 2021 will be off to a slow start for the athlete. This can also hinder his chances to qualify for the U.S. Ryder Cup team in September.
Last year was heavily disrupted due to the coronavirus pandemic, which meant Woods only played seven events, according to Sky Sports. He fell back to 44th in the world rankings.
He previously pulled out of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic before his second round, in addition to a press conference at the Genesis Invitational due to back spasms.
As revealed in the second part of the HBO documentary Tiger, he previously needed reconstructive knee surgery and had two fractures but played through the 2008 U.S. Open, despite his injuries.
"Stevie f**k you, I'm winning this tournament," Woods' former golf caddie Steve Williams recalled in the show.
The knee issues then developed into back problems, and Woods reportedly even told Jack Nicklaus at the 2017 Masters champions dinner that his career was likely over.
We wish Woods a speedy recovery!
