Tiger Woods dealt another blow to hopes of his golf comeback with news of undergoing additional surgery. Following his 2021 car crash, Woods has participated in only 11 events. Once a world No. 1 for an impressive 281 consecutive weeks, he has now plummeted to No. 2001 due to his prolonged absence from the sport. Woods’ last competition was in 2024, where he failed to make the cut at the Open after a challenging second round performance.

The 49-year-old had plans to join the Genesis Invitational in February but had to withdraw following his mother’s passing. Now, with news of his seventh back surgery, his chances of returning to the golf course have taken a significant hit. Woods shared on his X channel that he underwent a lumbar disc replacement surgery in his lower back due to a collapsed disc in L4/5 and other issues, performed by Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi in New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery.

This recent surgery is expected to sideline Woods for at least a year, pushing any potential return to golf further. Despite showing progress in his fitness regime earlier this year, a ruptured Achilles tendon during training set back his recovery. Woods has faced multiple surgeries since 2023, including procedures on his Achilles, a micro-decompression in 2024, and ankle surgery in 2023, all stemming from his car crash injuries in 2021.

While Woods has a history of overcoming injuries, the toll on his body post-2021 has raised doubts about his future in the sport. Although he managed to make the cut at the 2024 Masters, his performance was lackluster, finishing well behind the leaders. Woods has been spotted on the course supporting his 16-year-old son Charlie, who is following in his father’s golfing footsteps, competing in junior tournaments.

Woods did participate with his son at the 2024 PNC Championship, marking a return to golf on a different stage. However, with his latest surgery and ongoing injury setbacks, a return to the PGA Tour seems uncertain. The golf legend’s determination and motivation are under scrutiny as his battle with physical ailments continues, casting a shadow over his future in professional golf.