Tiger Woods’ Career-Long Battle with Injuries

Golf icon Tiger Woods, a 15-time major championship winner, recently underwent another back surgery to replace a disc. This procedure is the latest in a long series of physical setbacks for Woods, who earlier in March had surgery for a ruptured left Achilles tendon, sustained during intensive training. This article outlines the various injuries Woods has encountered throughout his illustrious PGA Tour career.

Oct. 10, 2025: Lumbar Disc Replacement

Woods underwent his seventh back surgery, a lumbar disc replacement, performed in New York. He confirmed the procedure via social media, stating it was the correct choice for his long-standing back issues and overall health. He did not specify a recovery timeline for his return to golf. This marked his second surgery of the year and his second major back operation within 13 months. Woods explained that he sought medical advice after experiencing significant pain and restricted mobility. Scans revealed a collapsed disc at L4/5, disc fragments, and a compressed spinal canal. He affirmed his decision for the disc replacement, expressing confidence in its positive impact on his health.

March 11, 2025: Left Achilles Tendon Rupture

Woods announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he had surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon. The injury occurred while he was intensifying his training at home. Dr. Charlton Stucken at the Hospital for Special Surgery in West Palm Beach, Florida, performed a `minimally invasive` repair. Dr. Stucken released a statement confirming the surgery`s success and anticipating a full recovery for the 49-year-old golfer.

Sept. 13, 2024: Lower Back Microdecompression

Woods revealed he had undergone a microdecompression surgery on his lower back. This procedure targeted nerve impingement in his lumbar spine. He expressed optimism that the surgery would alleviate the chronic back spasms and pain that had affected him for most of the 2024 season.

April 19, 2023: Right Ankle Fusion

To address post-traumatic arthritis in his right ankle, a consequence of injuries from a February 2021 car crash, Woods underwent subtalar fusion surgery. Dr. Martin O`Malley at HSS Sports Medicine Institute in New York performed the procedure, which aimed to correct arthritis resulting from a previous talus fracture, declaring it successful. His agent, Mark Steinberg, noted that Woods was resting and beginning his recovery process.

April 9, 2023: Masters Withdrawal (Plantar Fasciitis)

Woods withdrew from the Masters before the final Sunday play. He cited an aggravation of his plantar fasciitis as the reason, which would have required him to complete a demanding 28.5 holes due to earlier weather suspensions.

Feb. 23, 2021: Severe Car Crash Injuries

Woods was involved in a severe single-vehicle accident in Southern California, where his car rolled multiple times, trapping him inside. He required emergency surgery for “open fractures” in his lower right leg. A rod was inserted into his tibia, and screws and pins were used to stabilize his foot and ankle. He was transported to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Dr. Anish Mahajan detailed that Woods sustained “significant orthopedic injuries” to his right lower extremity, undergoing surgery for fractures to both the upper and lower tibia and fibula bones. To manage swelling, doctors also performed a fasciotomy (muscle covering removal).

Dec. 23, 2020: Fifth Back Procedure (Microdiscectomy)

Woods underwent his fifth back procedure, his fourth microdiscectomy, to relieve nerve pain in his lower back. Recovery for such a procedure typically spans 2.5 to 3 months.

Aug. 20, 2019: Left Knee Arthroscopy

Woods had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, marking the fifth time this knee had been operated on. He later commented that the knee had been bothering him throughout the summer and that he had postponed the procedure. He anticipated being ready to compete in the Zozo Championship in Japan.

April 20, 2017: Back Surgery for Pain Relief

Woods announced a successful back surgery designed to alleviate persistent back and leg pain. He expressed optimism about the procedure, hoping it would relieve his spasms and discomfort. He looked forward to resuming a normal life, playing with his children, and returning to professional golf free from chronic pain.

Feb. 3, 2017: Back Spasms in Dubai

Woods withdrew from the Dubai Desert Classic before the second round due to back spasms. His agent, Mark Steinberg, clarified that this issue was not related to the nerve problems that had led to three previous surgeries, the most recent being in September 2015.

Oct. 28, 2015: Follow-up Back Procedure

Approximately one month after his second back surgery in 18 months, Woods had a follow-up procedure to address discomfort. Dr. Charles Rich, who performed his two preceding surgeries, conducted this procedure.

Sept. 16, 2015: Second Microdiscectomy

After missing the cut in three of four major championships in 2015, but achieving his best finish of the year in August, Woods concluded his season by undergoing a second microdiscectomy. He voiced hopes of returning to competition by “early 2016.”

April 1, 2014: Microdiscectomy for Pinched Nerve

Woods announced he would miss the Masters after a microdiscectomy for a pinched nerve, an issue that had caused him pain for several months. He expected to return to golf “sometime this summer,” which he did in late June at the Quicken Loans National.

March 18, 2014: Lingering Back Pain (Withdrawal)

Woods withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational, citing persistent back pain.

March 2, 2014: Back Issues (Withdrawal)

Woods withdrew during the final round of the Honda Classic due to back problems.

March 11, 2012: Left Achilles Tendon Injury (Withdrawal)

Woods withdrew from the final round of the WGC-Cadillac Championship due to an injury to his left Achilles tendon.

May 12, 2011: Knee and Achilles Flare-up (Withdrawal)

Woods withdrew from The Players Championship after nine holes, having shot a 42. He described his knee acting up, followed by the Achilles and then calf cramping, with “everything started getting tight.” He did not play again until the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in August 2011.

April 26, 2011: Left MCL Sprain & Achilles Strain

Woods announced he would not compete in the Wells Fargo Championship in North Carolina. During the third round of the Masters, he sustained a Grade 1 mild MCL sprain in his left knee and a mild strain to his left Achilles tendon. These injuries occurred while hitting an awkward second shot from the pine straw near the Eisenhower tree on the 17th hole. Despite the injury, Woods completed the Masters before seeking medical evaluation.

2010: Apparent Neck Injury (Withdrawal)

Woods was forced to withdraw from the Players Championship during the final round due to a neck injury. An MRI later confirmed an inflamed facet joint in his neck.

2008-09: Torn Right Achilles Tendon (Chronic)

At the 2010 Masters, Woods disclosed that he had initially torn his right Achilles tendon in 2008 and subsequently reinjured it multiple times throughout 2009, yet continued to play through the pain.

2008: Knee Surgery & ACL Reconstruction

Two days after securing second place at the 2008 Masters, Woods underwent arthroscopic knee surgery to remove cartilage debris. Although initially expected to recover in 4-6 weeks, he returned to win the U.S. Open. Following this victory, he had reconstructive surgery for a damaged ACL and missed the remainder of the 2008 season. Furthermore, his intense preparation for the U.S. Open resulted in a double stress fracture in his left tibia.

2007: Ruptured ACL (No Surgery)

Woods ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while running at home after the 2007 British Open. He chose not to undergo surgery at that time and subsequently went on to win five of his next six tournaments.