February 23, 2021: Tiger Woods seemed confused as he looked around his hospital room, monitors beeping like clockwork. For quite a while, he’d been convinced he was in Florida, until a sheriff’s deputy, holding an intense yet sympathetic gaze, informed that the location was Harbor-UCLA medical center. How’d he get there? The golfer had no idea. Woods was largely unaware that he’d escaped death by a hair’s breadth merely 12 hours go.

Driving a 2021 Genesis GV80 northbound on Hawthorne Boulevard earlier that day, Woods’ car had reportedly struck the center median before hitting a tree and uprooting it, while his vehicle rolled over multiple times. When first responders arrived at the spot, the SUV was said to have suffered “major damage”. A Los Angeles Police officer later noted that the veteran was “very fortunate” to be alive—the signs of which were strewn all over his body. As per reports, Woods was reportedly knocked unconscious during impact, and sustained lacerations to the lower front jaw, along with bruised right and left rib cages, and a right ankle injury.

Per Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Deputy Carlos Gonzalez, the then 45-year-old also “had an open fracture mid shaft on his right leg below the knee”. So, for three weeks, Woods stayed stationed within the confines of his hospital room—he had undergone at least two surgeries; one including a rod being placed in his tibia and screws and pins to stabilize his ankle. A second April 2023 ankle surgery followed to address post-traumatic arthritis. In a spine-chilling instance, Woods once revealed how there was a “damn near” chance for his right leg to be amputated. But that’s not all. Besides the obvious setback of an accident, looks like the golfer’s multiple injuries haven’t done him any favors, as evident from a recent appearance alongside his son, Charlie Woods.

It’s no secret that the 49-year-old has done everything in his power to be present for Charlie’s blossoming golf career, often walking practice rounds, giving low-key swing advice, or just quietly cheering from behind the ropes. But while Woods continues to fulfill his dad duties, it has been nearly a year since he last played on the PGA Tour. His last appearance was at the 2024 PNC Championship. Woods has been in constant rehab and has often been spotted by fans limping his way around. Even at the 41st Nicklaus Junior Championship, fans were taken aback once again.

Watching Charlie Woods grinding it out on the final day, Woods was dressed in apparel from his brand, Sunday Red. He trailed his son, who finished 6th in the 122-man field. Fans’ hopes turned to dismay as they caught a glimpse of Woods’ injured leg, which looked anything but recovered. Notably, Woods was expected to tee it up in several events this year, including signature events and the majors. While he couldn’t compete at the Genesis Invitational because he was still coping with his mother’s passing, he also decided to skip the Masters in April. The 49-year-old underwent surgery for the ruptured Achilles Tendon on his right leg, and he is far from recovered.

So, as the image of him walking at the Tequesta Country Club began circulating on social media, fans expressed their concerns.

Fans worried about Tiger Woods’ comeback

“Bro, both of his legs look like twigs compared to the rest of his body. Don’t think he’ll be able to fully come back anymore to playing PGA Tour events and contending,” a fan wrote. Woods, once the poster child for power and athleticism, was rocking his usual focused expression, but it was his right leg that stole all the attention.

Another fan added, “Tiger’s legs are so mangled & skinny,” hinting at Woods’ right leg, which was covered with a black sleeve. Even though Woods appeared to be walking just fine, the internet jury wasn’t convinced. One fan even concluded, just by the appearance, that expecting a comeback is now off the charts. “No, look at his right leg. He’s done,” the fan wrote, declaring the final word on a very unofficial diagnosis.

Tiger Woods has always been transparent about the challenges with his injuries, and his recent public appearances have typically shown a more mobile and composed version of the legend. But many fans believe we will not witness his peak form again. “He’s washed. He will never comeback to anything resembling what he used to be,” another fan expressed his disappointment.

However, one netizen was slightly more optimistic than the others: “Achilles rupture is no joke. If he’s able to play the Hero or the PNC this year, it would be a huge bonus. Next year, more likely,” they wrote.

Nobody knows if we’ll see Woods tee it up again this year or not, but the man’s still showing up, and he seems to be walking fine, which is a small victory in itself. As every Woods fan knows, if anyone’s capable of pulling off miracles, it’s this guy.