Even since the Masters ended, Tiger Woods‘ fans have been on edge regarding the golfer’s health. The 15-time major champion had withdrawn from the 2023 Masters earlier this month, citing a reaggravated plantar fasciitis.
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A brand-new update concerning Woods’ injury has left fans wondering whether he will compete at an event anytime soon. The latest health update also raises doubts in fans about his appearance in the upcoming major tournaments, especially the impending PGA Championship starting next month.
Woods’ appearance at the remaining 2023 majors doubtful after his surgery
More than a week after fans received the news of Woods’ withdrawal from the Masters, they received another update about his health. On Wednesday, the golfing legend took to Twitter to reveal that he had undergone a “successful” subtalar fusion surgery. Per the statement, Woods is set to begin his rehabilitation process.
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According to Cleveland Clinic, it will take him 6-12 weeks to recuperate from the surgery. Once he is able to put some weight on his ankles, he will have to walk in a boot. Rehabilitation will follow suit, rendering his chances of competing at major tournaments unlikely this year.
Cleveland Clinic says 6-12 weeks until you can put any weight on the ankle. Then it's walking in a boot. Then it's rehab.
I'd be surprised if he plays in any of the remaining 3 majors in 2023. https://t.co/lm8142Cy9M
— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) April 19, 2023
The prolonged recovery time means Woods will likely not compete at the PGA Championship next month. His appearance at the U.S. Open in June and the Open Championship in July is also primarily improbable. Despite his injury-related struggles, the golfer cut a resilient figure at the Augusta National earlier this month.
After serious injuries in a single-car crash in 2021, Woods has been a shadow of his once-formidable self. However, the 5-time Masters winner made a record consecutive 23rd cut at Augusta this year, tying with legends Fred Couples and Gary Player. The new record was his latest addition to an already overwhelming list of golfing achievements. Fans have reacted strongly to the news, saying that “Tiger is golf.”
Fans hopeful about a Tiger Woods comeback
Tiger Woods has entertained the golf world for decades with his on-course heroics. From winning four consecutive major titles to spending a whopping 683 weeks as no. 1 in the OWGR, Woods’ contribution to the game of golf is unparalleled. Despite struggling with his injuries throughout the 2023 Masters, the 47-year-old cut a tough figure at Augusta this year.
While his return to the golf course for the upcoming majors seems doubtful, fans are hoping otherwise. Reacting to a tweet regarding his unlikely return, one golf fan noted that Tiger Woods is synonymous with golf. Another fan came to Woods’ defense, saying he has “earned the right” to carry forward as he wishes.
I want to like this tweet but can’t. Tiger is golf or has been for an entire generation.
— Jeff Bourne (@JeffMBourne) April 20, 2023
I think he’s earned the right to be the only person in that conversation. We should just watch and be grateful. Let him do what he wants, at his core he’s a fierce competitor. And now he’s competing with himself. Let him wage his battles how he sees fit, I’m sure he’s seeing…
— George Beardsley (@GBeardsley) April 19, 2023
Woods’ fans aren’t too keen on the golfer having to take a seat back, as one Twitter user noted that Woods didn’t owe anyone anything. Another fan pointed out his 23rd-consecutive cut at the Masters this year, holding out hope for Woods’ resurgence.
Who are we to say when and if he should retire?
He doesn’t owe us anything. He can show up and play when he wants.
— Connor Fitzharris (@jon_fitzharris) April 19, 2023
He just made the cut at the Masters on half a leg. He has to much pride to compete until the made cuts and competing is no longer there. If this surgery makes walking easier for him next season, you never know when his name could pop up at a major.
— Noah Gray (@nrg4574) April 19, 2023
Meanwhile, some fans have made peace with his probable time away from the major championships. However, they are still hoping for the surgery to do wonders for the golfer.
The problem isn’t his game, it’s him getting around the course.
If he was showing up to tournaments shooting 85’s this would be a fair discussion.
He’s still competitive, he just can’t walk the course. Hopefully the surgeries help with that.
— Dodgers Meme Team (@DodgersMemeTeam) April 19, 2023
I think we can wait until we hear if surgery helps him walk with less pain first (look at how much better his back was after the fusion) If it doesnt help than 100% absolutely its time.
— David (@phxspartan1) April 19, 2023
While Tiger Woods’ injury-related struggles continue, you can never rule out the golfer. His comeback win at the 2019 Masters is one of the most iconic moments in sports history.
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Do you think a Tiger Woods reappearance at the upcoming majors is possible? Let us know in the comments below.
Written by
Edited by
Manaal Siddiqui