Tiger Woods shared that after experiencing agonizing pain and a lack of mobility in his back, a diagnosis revealed a collapsed disc in the L4/5 level. Doctors discovered disc fragments and a compromised disc canal. Shortly after, he underwent a lumbar disc replacement surgery, performed by Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York on Friday. This operation was successful with minimal complications. Tiger Woods shared a statement on Saturday.

“After experiencing pain and lack of mobility in my back, I consulted with doctors and surgeons to have tests taken. The scans determined that I had a collapsed disc in L4/5, disc fragments, and a compromised spinal canal. I opted to have my disc replaced yesterday, and I already know I made a good decision for my health and my back.”

What does this mean for his comeback, though, that fans were eagerly waiting for? What could his recovery timeline look like?

A lumbar disc replacement is a major spinal surgery that involves the removal of the damaged disc and implantation of an artificial one between the vertebrae. However, the worst news is the recovery window, spanning somewhere from 6-12 months. This surgery is far more invasive than the microdiscectomies he has had in the past. Additionally, at the age of 49, with past injuries and strain in the back, his spine may heal more slowly than most other people. Returning without proper rehabilitation could lead to a repeat nerve compression or disc collapse.

The last time fans saw Tiger Woods in a PGA Tour event was more than 15 months ago at The Open. While he returned briefly for his indoor event at TGL, yet another Achilles tendon rupture in March put him out of the golf scene for months. However, with improvements in his health and frequent guest appearances, fans speculated a comeback at the 2025 Hero World Challenge, an invitational Woods hosts. Now, with recovery and rehab on the line, comeback this December is a distant dream.

While TGL S2 speculations resume, with the match schedule expecting a return mid-January, it becomes highly unlikely after this surgery. It’s only safe to assume Tiger will be out of the professional courses for months now, if not a full year. Following the slumber, Woods would turn 50, getting eligible for the PGA Champions Tour. With anticipation for Woods’s joining the circuit rising among the Champions Tour golfers, fans can likely see him competing in the new Tour next year.

We all know this is not Tiger’s first back surgery. Still, battling the constant physical threats, Woods recovered with more strength, making a strong case for his resilience.

Tiger Woods has rebounded from 6 back surgeries already

Woods has seen more injuries in 49 years than most people witness in their lifetime. Putting his body under constant pressure from golf is undeniably the biggest contributing factor. One of the very first back surgeries he underwent was in 2014, suffering from a pinched nerve. The following year, he had two more back surgeries alongside two microdiscectomies.

In 2017, to reduce pain and stabilize his back after repeated disc problems, Woods underwent spinal fusion surgery. In December of 2020 and then in September of 2024, the golf veteran witnessed two more back surgeries, a microdiscectomy and a decompression surgery to be specific.

Moreover, Woods has suffered from several knee injuries, ACL/MCL ruptures, and Achilles tendon ruptures. However, one of the most horrific injuries Woods experienced was after his near-fatal car accident in 2021. That severely damaged his right leg and ankle, requiring a rod insertion into his tibia.

More recently, the 15-time major champion experienced a ruptured Achilles tendon, sitting him out of professional golf. While the scene looked to improve soon, Woods’ latest update on his lumbar disc replacement has delivered one of the biggest blows to his fans expecting his comeback.

Despite countless setbacks and major injuries, Tiger Woods has repeatedly defied medical odds, fighting through grueling rehab to return to competitive golf. That includes winning the 2019 Masters after his spinal fusion. His resilience, discipline, and sheer mental toughness have made his comebacks as legendary as his victories.