Tiger Woods announced on Friday that he underwent back surgery to address muscle spasms that plagued him throughout the 2024 season. The 15-time major champion, who hasn’t played since missing the cut at the Open Championship in July, hopes the procedure will allow him to return to normal activities, including golf.
Woods, nearing 49, had a limited 2024 schedule due to ongoing injuries from his 2021 car accident. His year saw him withdraw from the Genesis Invitational and finish last among those who made the cut at the Masters. He also missed the cut at the PGA Championship, US Open, and British Open.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Woods confirmed that the surgery went smoothly, and he’s optimistic that it will alleviate the pain and spasms he experienced. The procedure, a microdecompression surgery on his lumbar spine, was aimed at relieving nerve impingement in his lower back. Woods’ last major victory came at the 2019 Masters, and his future participation in tournaments will depend on his recovery.