The latest on Tiger Woods' health after another operation
In February 2021, Tiger Woods was involved in a serious car accident in Los Angeles that broke both his legs and an ankle, the Los Angeles Times reported at the time.
More than two years later, the legendary golfer is still suffering from the aftermath of that accident that prevents him from playing golf at his best.
Tiger Woods underwent another operation just four days after his cancellation for the 2023 Masters in Augusta.
The athlete himself shared details of the procedure he underwent in New York (United States) in a statement on social networks.
Photo: Twitter - @TigerWoods
"Earlier in the day, Tiger underwent subtalar arthrodesis (ankle fusion) to treat his post-traumatic arthritis following his fractured talus," the statement said.
"This operation was performed by Dr. Martin O'Malley at the HSS Sports Medicine Institute in New York. The doctor himself assured us that the operation was successful," the letter reads.
And finally, a statement of intent. "Tiger is on the mend and looking forward to his rehabilitation.
Despite his surgery, it's almost impossible the world will ever see Tiger Woods as he was in was in his heyday. The golfing great, who dominated every aspect of the game for several years, has confirmed his abilities have been significantly impacted as a result of the accident and he can no longer paly to the same standard.
"I really appreciate being able to play and be there in Augusta because it's a special place in my heart," he told media at the Augusta Masters.
Unfortunately, Tiger Woods had to retire with obvious signs of pain after seven holes on the third day of the Augusta Masters, which ended up being won by Spaniard Jon Rahm (pictured alongside Tiger Woods, who won the 2023 Genesis Invitational).
Given the time frame of Wood's treatment, he will also miss the next Grand Slam, the PGA Championship, which takes place May 18-21.
It also remains to be seen if he will be able to recover in time for the US Open or the British Open. And his statement, although very specific, does not give a date for a hypothetical return.
Tiger Woods himself admitted in Augusta that his pre-tournament condition was complicated. "I don't play as many tournaments anymore, I don't train as much as I used to. What I can do is very limited, but the joy is different now because I spend more time with my son.
Just retaining a leg that he may have lost in the accident is a triumph for Tiger Woods. "I'm lucky to have this (right) leg. It's mine. Yes, it's been altered and there are some irons in it, but it's still mine. It's tough and always will be tough, I never will be the same again. I understand that," said the golf legend.
In addition, in 2022 he was only able to participate in three tournaments and in 2023, apart from Augusta, he had only participated in the Genesis Masters, where he finished 45th.
Beginning in 2026, when Tiger Woods turns 50 (December 30, 2025), he will be eligible to play the senior circuit, where he may be able to excel once again.