Should Tiger Woods Finally Walk Away From Professional Golf And His Injury-Plagued Career?
Tiger Woods faces another lengthy recovery after undergoing achilles surgery, leading to questions about his future in professional golf. The 15-time Major winner ruptured a tendon in his left achilles while training at home in Florida.
Since early 2023, Woods has played in seven tournaments with limited success:
- Best finish: 60th place at 2024 Masters
- Three missed cuts
- Two withdrawals
- 18th place in 20-player Hero World Challenge
The 49-year-old's latest setback likely means missing all four Majors this year, with his earliest potential return being the PNC Championship in December, where he could use a cart while playing with his son Charlie.
This injury adds to Woods' extensive medical history:
- Multiple back surgeries
- Knee surgeries
- Ankle surgeries
- Serious injuries from 2021 car crash
Expert opinions are divided on Woods' future:
- Some believe his competitive career effectively ended after the 2021 car crash
- Others point to his resilience and ability to overcome previous setbacks
- His last PGA Tour victory was the 2019 Zozo Championship
At nearly 50 years old, Woods faces significant challenges:
- Limited ability to play enough competitive golf
- Difficulty maintaining necessary physical condition
- Qualifying for fewer tournaments as time passes
Despite these obstacles, Woods maintains lifetime eligibility for The Masters and PGA Championship, plus another decade of eligibility for The Open Championship. He will also become eligible for senior events when he turns 50.
Golfer mid-swing on golf course
The golf legend's determination remains strong, but questions persist about whether it's time to step away from professional competition and focus on exhibition events or advisory roles within the sport.