Tiger Woods announced on Saturday, October 11, 2025, that he underwent his seventh back surgery the previous day to address severe spinal complications that left him experiencing significant pain and limited mobility. The 49-year-old golf legend revealed that medical scans discovered a collapsed disc, disc fragments, and a compromised spinal canal that required immediate surgical intervention.
The lumbar disc replacement surgery took place on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi and his medical team performed the procedure, which was deemed successful according to the official statement released by Woods.
In his social media statement, Woods explained that he consulted with doctors and surgeons after experiencing concerning symptoms in his lower back. The medical tests revealed a collapsed disc at the L4/5 vertebrae level, accompanied by disc fragments and spinal canal compromise. Woods expressed confidence in his decision, stating that he “already know I made a good decision” for his health and back.
This latest surgical procedure marks Woods’ third major operation within a 13-month period, adding to his extensive medical history. The 15-time major champion underwent microdecompression surgery on his back in September 2024 to address nerve impingement that caused back spasms and pain throughout the 2024 season. Earlier in 2025, Woods also required surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon that occurred during training at his home in March.
Woods’ back problems began in 2014 with his first microdiscectomy for a pinched nerve, forcing him to miss the Masters Tournament for the first time in his professional career. His spinal issues escalated over the years, culminating in spinal fusion surgery in 2017. That drastic procedure ultimately led to his remarkable comeback, including his legendary 2019 Masters victory that secured his 15th major championship and fifth green jacket.
The golf icon’s recent health struggles extend beyond his back complications. In February 2021, Woods sustained career-threatening injuries in a single-vehicle car crash in Southern California that broke his right leg and ankle, requiring emergency surgery. Medical professionals placed a rod in his right leg and installed screws and pins in his right foot and ankle. Woods later revealed that amputation of his right leg was a serious consideration due to the severity of his injuries.
Since the 2021 accident, Woods has made only 11 competitive starts on the PGA Tour. His most recent tournament appearance was at the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon in July, where he missed the cut. Woods completed a full major schedule in 2024 for the first time in five years but struggled with performance, finishing last among weekend qualifiers at the Masters and missing the cut in the other three majors.
The timing of this latest surgery raises questions about Woods’ participation in upcoming events. He was notably absent from the initial field announcement for the Hero World Challenge, a tournament he hosts in the Bahamas scheduled for December 4-7, 2025. His availability for the PNC Championship later in December, where he traditionally competes alongside his 16-year-old son Charlie using a golf cart, also remains uncertain.
Woods’ limited competitive schedule has significantly impacted his world ranking, dropping him outside the top 2,000 globally. The 82-time PGA Tour winner, who turns 50 on December 30, 2025, will become eligible for the PGA Tour Champions circuit next season. His recent competitive appearances have been restricted to the PNC Championship in December 2024 and participation in TGL indoor league matches for Jupiter Links GC earlier this year.
The golf legend’s recovery timeline remains unclear, with no specific date announced for his potential return to competitive play. His previous back surgery in September 2024 required several months of rehabilitation before he could resume limited training activities. Given his age and extensive injury history, the latest procedure represents another significant hurdle in his ongoing battle to return to professional golf.
Woods has demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout his career, overcoming multiple surgeries and setbacks to achieve some of golf’s greatest comebacks. However, the accumulation of injuries and his approaching 50th birthday have intensified speculation about his long-term competitive future. The success of his current recovery will likely determine whether fans will witness Woods back on the course in 2026 or beyond.
