Tiger Woods has undergone surgery on his troubled ankle and could be set to miss months of the 2023 season in a worrying sign for the golf icon. On Wednesday, Woods underwent surgery on post-traumatic arthritis from a previous talus bone fracture.
The injury comes after Woods was involved in a life-threatening car accident in Los Angles in February 2021, which resulted in serious leg injuries. The injury left many fearing for Woods’ career, but the champion golfer returned and now hand-picks tournaments
At the Masters, Woods stunned fans when he announced he wouldn’t compete all 72 holes due to the wild weather that has affected the tournament. It marked the second time in the past 12 months that Woods has been forced to withdraw from a major championship due to injury.
In September last year he pulled out of the PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa. On Wednesday, Woods said the surgery was successful but no timeline was granted for his return.
The 15-time major winner is all but certain to miss next month’s US PGA Championship. However, greater concerns have been raised about his possible return at all considering his comments last year and at this year’s The Masters.
Speaking in December, Woods said: “My goal is to play the major championships and one or two more. Physically that’s all I can do. I don’t have much left in this leg.”
Only a fortnight ago, Woods admitted he was cherishing all the moments at Augusta – which Jon Rahm won – because he wasn’t sure when it would be his last event as a player. This was after footage showed Woods struggling on the course with his injury.
“I don’t know how many more I have in me,” Woods said in the press conference before Augusta. “So, just to be able to appreciate the time I have here and cherish the memories.” However, at 47 years old, Woods’ latest setback doesn’t bode well.
