Tiger Woods undergoes seventh back surgery as PGA Tour return further pushed back

Tiger Woods has taken to social media to confirm he has unfortunately had to undergo the seventh back surgery of his career this week. 

Woods, 49, took to X / Twitter on Saturday to inform the world he underwent lumbar disc replacement surgery in his L4/5 Lumbar spine for lower back symptoms on Friday. 

A recent scan revealed he had a collapsed disc in L4/5, disc fragments and a compromised spinal canal.

Woods' team has confirmed the surgery was "deemed successful" but no timeframe has been set on his PGA Tour return. 

His latest surgery was performed by Dr. Sheeraz Oureshi and his team at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. 

“The scans determined that I had a collapsed disc in L4/5, disc fragments, and a compromised spinal canal,” Woods said in a social media post. 

“I opted to have my disc replaced yesterday, and I already know I made a good decision for my health and my back.”

The message from Woods' team also read: "On Friday, Tiger underwent lumbar disc replacement surgery in his L4/5 Lumbar spine for lower back symptoms.

"The surgery was deemed successful and performed by Dr. Sheeraz Ouershi and his team at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York."

It is now unclear when or if the 15-time major champion will be able to return to competitive golf on the PGA Tour. 

Prior to this latest back surgery, Woods was already recovering from surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon in March.

With so many injuries now mounting up for the golf legend, all ahead of him turning 50 years old on 30 December, questions are now being asked as to whether the time has finally come for Woods to hang up his spikes. 

LIV Golf's Phil Mickelson has since taken to social media to send his best wishes to his former arch-rival following news of his latest back surgery. 

"I’m sorry to hear this and I wish him the best for a speedy recovery," tweeted Mickelson.

Woods continues to be plagued by injuries and surgeries

The latest back surgery marks one of many injuries Woods has had to deal with during his PGA Tour career.

Woods had the first of his seven back surgeries in April 2014, one that led to him having his lower back fused in 2017.

A year later Woods won the Tour Championship before going on to memorably capture his 15th major and fifth green jacket at the 2019 Masters.

The worst injury and moment of Woods' career then came with a horror car crash in Los Angeles in February 2021.

Woods was fortunate not to die in that accident, but was left with severe leg and ankle injuries, which he is still recovering from today. 

When could Tiger Woods return to the PGA Tour?

Woods has not played competitive golf since the PNC Championship in December 2024. 

His last official tournament on the PGA Tour came when missing the cut at the Open Championship at Royal Troon in July 2024. 

Woods confirmed 17 players in his 20-man Hero World Challenge in The Bahamas once again staged in December earlier this week.

With three exemption places remaining in the field, there had been some hope from ardent Woods fans that he might be able to fill one of the spots. 

But there is now little to no chance of that happening as Woods now recovers from lumbar disc replacement surgery. 

One medical expert with a sporting background has told GolfMagic that recovery from lumbar disc replacement typically takes around three to four months, but a full recovery to activities such as golf can vary. 

Should that be the case then Woods will also more than likely be out of the PNC Championship alongside his son Charlie Woods just before Christmas as well. 

Earlier this week Woods confirmed the 2026 TGL schedule ahead of the tech-infused league's second season at the SoFi Center in Florida. 

Woods' Jupiter Links GC will play in their opening TGL match on Tuesday 13 January.

It remains to be seen whether Woods will have any participation in that fixture now. 

Tiger Woods eligible to play on senior tour in 2026

Next season Woods will be eligible to compete on the over 50s PGA Tour Champions should he wish. 

Woods will likely find things easier on the senior circuit as he will be able to ride in a golf cart, just as he can do at the PNC Championship. 

But after his latest injury and surgery setback, it remains to be seen whether Woods will be able to return to the fairways. 

At least in competitive mode. 

Related:

Woods has only been spotted in public lately watching his son Charlie competing in junior tournament.

Charlie is having the golf season of his life in 2025, and he recently clinched another win for his Benjamin School. 

Earlier this season, Woods confirmed he had entered a new relationship with girlfriend Vanessa Trump, the ex wife of Donald Trump Jr.