Tiger Woods Details Recovery Progress, Eyes Return to Golf in 2025
NASSAU, Bahamas – Tiger Woods revealed he has begun the initial stages of rehabilitation following a recent disk replacement surgery, with a hopeful outlook for a return to competitive golf sometime in 2025. The 48-year-old golfer provided the update Tuesday at the Hero World Challenge, an event he founded to benefit his foundation.
The surgery, necessitated by ongoing back issues, typically requires a three-month recovery period, potentially keeping Woods sidelined until mid-January. However, Woods expressed optimism that the recovery timeline will be shorter than previous spinal fusion surgeries. “I just started to chip and putt,” Woods said. “I just started to lift in the gym. I just started this process. A disk replacement takes time. Not as long as spinal fusion, thankfully.”
This latest procedure marks another chapter in Woods’s well-documented battle with physical challenges throughout his career.his ability to return to competitive form is closely watched by fans and the golf world, as his presence substantially impacts viewership and tournament interest. While a specific return date remains uncertain, Woods emphasized his “passion is just to play and I haven’t done that in a long time,” after a “tough year…on and off the course.”
Beyond his personal recovery, Woods also discussed his involvement with the PGA Tour. He has been appointed to a new committee led by CEO Brian Rolapp, tasked with shaping future PGA Tour scheduling plans beyond 2026. “I need to figure this out with my back and my body,” Woods stated, adding that he will assess his playing schedule “as I start to get more explosive and find out what I’ve got.”
Woods also addressed questions regarding a potential role with the Ryder Cup, confirming he had not been asked about captaining the 2027 team. He had previously considered the captaincy for the 2025 event but deferred a decision until the summer of 2024, ultimately leading to keegan Bradley’s appointment.
The Hero World challenge, held at Albany in the Bahamas since 2015, features a 20-player field this year, including two-time defending champion Scottie Scheffler. the event continues to serve as a key fundraising initiative for the Tiger Woods Foundation.
