Tag

GOLF

Browsing

Tiger Woods could play golf as early as next month.

The former world No.1 golfer spoke to the sport’s media Tuesday, ahead of the Hero World Challenge, which is a tournament he hosts every year in December at the 7,414-yard, par-72 Albany Golf Course in The Bahamas.

Woods typically competes at the tournament himself but told reporters this week that he’s not yet “tournament sharp.” Elaborating, he said: “These are 20 of the best players in the world and I’m not sharp enough to compete against them at this level.”

Woods confirmed he wouldn’t compete this week in a post on X last month.

Tiger Woods still doing hard, painful work - PGA TOUR

READ: Is Rumored Tiger Woods Feud the Reason Behind Rory McIlroy Skipping Hero World Challenge 2024?

Woods is not competing because of recent physical ailments, including back surgery from which he continues to recover from. He’s had back issues throughout the year, and said Tuesday that “it just continued getting worse” from the start of 2024 onwards.

He said: “I didn’t think my back was going to go like it did. It was quite painful through the end of the year, and thus I had another procedure done to it to alleviate the pain going down my leg. I’m trying to rehab it … to give myself the best chance I can going into next year.”

Woods is the most famous name in his sport, and one of the most famous in all sports, thanks to his 15 major championship wins, 82 wins on the PGA Tour, and a rarified billionaire status for an athlete.

But his story is also one that cannot be told without mentioning an incident in 2021 that saw him taken to hospital, after he was involved in a car crash, and had to go through surgery to repair fractures in his right leg, together with a broken ankle. He said at the time it was likely he’d struggle to play golf competitively again. Surgeries through the years have alleviated some of the pain, and issues he has while standing, walking, and golfing.

Though he will not compete at this weekend’s Hero World Challenge, there is an off-chance he could play in TGL — a new golf league formed by himself, as well as Rory McIlroy, in partnership with the PGA Tour. TGL is a league that pits teams of three against each other in two-hour matches at a custom-built venue that merges real-world golf with technology with simulation. TGL golf is due to begin January 7.

Woods could also compete in the PNC Championship because that tournament does permit the use of golf carts, which is something that Woods could benefit from, considering the issues he’s had playing four-day tournament golf while constantly on his feet, walking a course. The PNC Championship is even sooner than TGL, as it takes place December 19 to 22 in Orlando, Florida.

The 2024 Hero World Challenge is just around the corner, and Albany, Bahamas, will host 20 of the top 50 players in the world, all fighting for the title.

Among these players is Scottie Scheffler, who returns to defend his title after a strong 2023 season. But if you were looking for Rory McIlroy in the mix, you’d be disappointed as he’s not competing this year.

One of the other notable absences is Tiger Woods. But Woods has good reasons. Injuries. Surgery. Recovery. And he’s also ther host! What about Rors then? Earlier this year, rumors swirled about a potential rift between the pair, around their differing views on the PGA Tour’s response to LIV Golf. Some media outlets even pounced on this difference of opinion, labeling it a “feud.” So is that the reason the Northern Irishman has opted out of the Woods-hosted event?

No.

Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy lead Monday night TGL committed players

JUST IN: Video: The time Tiger Woods almost broke David Feherty’s elbow

Let’s look back. Since these feud rumors, McIlroy already refuted the claims. “Friends can have disagreements or not see eye to eye on things.” He went on to clarify, “No, there’s no strain there,” he said, downplaying the rumors. “I think we might see the future of golf a little bit differently, but I don’t think that should place any strain on a relationship or on a friendship.” So, while their views on the future of golf might not always align, McIlroy has made it clear there’s no bad blood between them.

Instead, likely, his hectic schedule and the fact that he’s taking a bit of time off to rest and regroup is the real reason for missing the event. Remember McIlroy stated that he wanted some family time and hence would be reducing his schedule? Looks like that may have begun already. And considering that he’s got the ‘Showdown’ against LIV Golf coming up in mid-December, he may not have wanted too much golf during the month.​

McIlroy and Woods haven’t played together since the 2023 Genesis Invitational in California. Again that’s because Woods has been away and now perhaps they’ll be seen together on the course even lesser with McIlroy’s smaller playing schedule. However, their bond is far from hampered. Hear it from the 4-time major winner himself! Woods remains a mentor and role model to him.

While Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods might not always see eye to eye on the future of golf, one thing is for sure: McIlroy holds Woods in the highest regard. In fact, in Netflix’s Full Swing documentary, he opened up about the impact Woods had on him when he was growing up. “I was obsessed with golf and when Tiger came on the scene, I just remember watching Tiger play golf on Sunday nights, because of the time difference,” McIlroy said.

The Northern Irishman even claimed that the 15-time major winner had taken golf to “a new level”. “He still is my hero and to a lot of people, he is golf,” he boldly stated. The golf pro’s admiration for Woods moreover runs deep. He truly believes that no one in the sport can ever match up to his friend. “There’ll never be another Tiger for so many reasons,” McIlroy said, reflecting on Woods’ legacy. “He’s set a great example for a lot of us moving forward.”

So there you have it. Despite their differences, their bond remains as strong. And while they may not always agree on ideas about the PGA Tour, the two also bond beyond that, particularly in their business ventures. Yes, they’re more than just competitors—they’re collaborators. Or have you forgotten their partnered venture, the TGL? Does the progress with their simulator league seem like it’s being run by 2 people in a feud?

Phil Mickelson implored a golf journalist to ‘open their eyes’ and ‘get their facts straight’ after he claimed that one of his gripes with the PGA Tour was ‘completely dismissed’ in a report. 

Mickelson took to X on 1 December to blast GOLF‘s Dylan Dethier over his recent column dissecting the current state of the men’s game.

Phil Mickelson vindicated for long view of PGA-LIV Golf clash

READ: Phil Mickelson’s comment says it all as Rory McIlroy issue emerges after LIV hope

Discussing Mickleson’s recent YouTube matches, Dethier wrote:

“While Mickelson’s claims that the Tour is sitting on ‘multiple billions of dollars’ in NFTs may have been aggressive, it’s clear he’s using the freedom of a LIV offseason to play a different type of team golf and potentially unlock some extra value in the process.”

An unhappy Mickelson took issue and replied:

“In this article you dismissed my claim that the Tour is sitting on billions of dollars in NFT’s and digital moments.

“Let me point out that when Ron Price testified in front of of congress he was asked how much assets does the Tour have. He said a little less than three billion.

“Four months later they sold a stake to SSG on a valuation of 12.5 billion.

“Where do you think the 9.5 billion discrepancy came from?

“That’s right, digital moments and NFT’s. Open your eyes and get your facts straight please.”

In 2022, Mickelson was particularly outspoken about the PGA Tour’s control over digital rights and NFTs.

Before LIV Golf officially launched, Mickelson criticised the Tour for having what he called ‘obnoxious greed’ in controlling players’ media and digital rights, including their ability to monetise their own highlights.

In a Golf Digest interview, Mickelson argued that players should own the rights to their personal highlights and performances, rather than the PGA Tour holding exclusive control.

He felt this limited players’ abilities to explore opportunities in emerging markets, like NFTs.

Lefty pointed out that some athletes in other leagues, such as the NBA and NFL, had greater leeway in monetising their own media moments.

Mickelson previously said: “It’s not public knowledge, all that goes on

“But the players don’t have access to their own media. If the Tour wanted to end any threat [from Saudi or anywhere else], they could just hand back the media rights to the players.

“But they would rather throw $25 million here and $40 million there than give back the roughly $20 billion in digital assets they control.

“Or give up access to the $50-plus million they make every year on their own media channel.”

He added: “There are many issues, but that is one of the biggest.

“For me personally, it’s not enough that they are sitting on hundreds of millions of digital moments.

“They also have access to my shots, access I do not have.

“They also charge companies to use shots I have hit. And when I did ‘The Match’—there have been five of them—the Tour forced me to pay them $1 million each time.

“For my own media rights. That type of greed is, to me, beyond obnoxious.”

Over the years Tiger Woods has become something of an escape artist. 

Just how many times have we seen Woods deliver something utterly bonkers. His creativity knows no bounds.

It will be such a sad day when we can’t watch the big cat in action on the PGA Tour and in the majors.

David Feherty reveals which golfer was Tiger Woods before Tiger Woods

READ: Tiger Woods Predicted Greg Norman’s Fall, but LIV HQ’s Plans for Its CEO Tell a Different Story

But what we will have are the memories. Memories such as these which will last for the rest of our lives.

Thanks to social media, these viral clips will exist on the Internet for a very, very long time.

This latest clip, courtesy of Skratch, outlines a pretty remarkable shot from Woods at Torrey Pines in 2013.

At the Farmers Insurance Open, where he has in recent years kicked off his season, Woods was snookered.

But that didn’t matter to the genius. This is just one of his many, many great shots.

Famed on-course commentator David Feherty narrates: “If he can manage to hit the miracle shot he can cut it back onto.”

Woods, who was aiming directly at the spectators, manages to carve it round. Utter perfection.

“Doesn’t get much better than that. Heck of a shot, I tell ya. He almost broke MY LEFT ELBOW hitting that shot.”

That’s the chicken wing, Nick Faldo chimes in. “This is the broken wing right here,” came the response.

Woods was left with a straight forward chip shot from the first cut of rough.

Woods bins it as you can see some paragliders in the background. Were these people just trying to get a glimpse of Woods?

Then we’re treated to his trademark fist-pump. Even the paragliders at 700ft were clapping.

How’s that for you?

“I could smell it coming,” Feherty says.

Couldn’t we all.

This was part of Woods record-breaking win at Torrey Pines.

It was the eighth time he won there, including the 2008 U.S. Open in an 18-hole play-off over Rocco Mediate.

Oh yeah, he did that with a broken leg. F*** you Stevie, I’m winning this tournament.” 

Woods won the tournament by four shots at a foggy Farmers Insurance Open in 2013.

Better than most.

I think Greg has to go, first of all,” said Tiger Woods in 2022. Much has changed since then. The PGA Tour, PIF, and the DP World Tour look closer to hashing out a deal than they were two years ago. And the time has come for Greg Norman to leave. 

Reportedly, LIV Golf has already found Norman’s replacement. Former Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) executive Scott O’Neil will replace Great White Shark later this year. Now, Greg Norman also admitted that his LIV Golf contract will expire by August 2025. And LIV Golf might announce the new CEO as soon as next week.

It might appear that the prophecy has come true. But Norman won’t ‘exit stage left’ as Woods’s friend Rory McIlroy wanted. Reportedly, Norman will work behind the scenes. Although it’s not clear how much power he will wield, Shark is expected to take up a different role.

Tiger Woods blasts Greg Norman amid LIV Golf row

READ: How Many Back Surgeries Has Tiger Woods Had? Injuries Explored Amid Hero World Challenge Shocker

Recently, Norman shared a few snippets from his trip to East Asia. He was instrumental in finalizing LIV Golf’s South Korea move. Coincidentally, the venue, Jack Nicklaus Golf Club, hosted a DP World Tour event weeks back. Moreover, Norman also plans to bring the nascent league to Japan, another strong Asian market.

Data reveals that the craze for golf in Japan is even more than in South Korea. In a recent picture, Norman was seen presenting a blueprint for LIV Golf Japan 2026. Currently, Japan hosts the PGA Tour’s Zozo Championship.

It should be noted that, per the latest report, PIF, LIV Golf’s financial backer, and the DP World Tour are now involved in chalking out a separate agreement. While Norman’s influence in this matter is doubtful, there are a few other reasons to believe that the two-time major champion will play an important role in shaping LIV’s future.

Greg Norman is living his 90s dream of a global tour through LIV Golf. In PIF, the 69-year-old has found a financial backer that funded his disruptive project. Since last year, LIV has been actively looking at newer markets like Hong Kong and Singapore. Both venues feature in the PIF-funded sides’s next schedule.

Greg Norman, despite his hampered reputation on Stateside, still enjoys a ‘global champion’ status overseas. As David Feherty rightly noted in a recent interview, Norman was a global golf icon before Tiger Woods took that mantle. So, it won’t be surprising if the two-time major winner is given an ambassadorial role in the future.

More importantly, Norman’s outsized influence on players is hard to ignore. From Cam Smith, Jon Rahm, and Bryson DeChambeau to Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, Greg Norman is known to have a good rapport with players of different age groups.

Tiger Woods barely played this year. Last year, too! This season, apart from the four majors, he only played the Genesis Invitational in February.

Sadly, it ended in WD. Reason? Influenza. Other than Masters, his play was cut shorter in the other three majors, not being able to make it to the weekend. It’s not like Woods does not want to play, he is still very much determined, but it’s the injuries and surgeries that have plagued his play. Last appearing at Royal Troon in July, there were speculations of him returning to Albany for Hero World Challenge since it has been his stage of return in the past as well. Those expectations have fallen now!

On November 25, he announced that he would not be playing at the event he proudly hosts because his recovery process from back surgery is still ongoing. Woods had his sixth back surgery in the past 10 years. He said he was hopeful the surgery would help with the pain and spasms he experienced throughout most of 2024. Has it? It remains to be seen.

Well, with that being said, here is the rundown of the 15x major champion’s back surgeries that he has had over the years since 2014.

Tiger Woods' DUI & Prescription Drug Dangers - Sports Injury-Related Pain

READ: Injury update: Tiger Woods ‘disappointed’ as he’s forced to make U-turn on Open promise

1. 2014

Tiger Woods had to withdraw from the 2014 Honda Classic, citing back pain and spasms for the first time. It continued till the Cadillac Championship the next week. The continued pain forced him to have his first back surgery on a pinched nerve, resulting in his first-ever withdrawal from the Masters since 1994. He also had to withdraw from the Arnold Palmer Invitational. He returned in July, only to be in pain again.

2. 2015

After his withdrawal from the Farmers Insurance Open, Tiger Woods returned for the Masters after two months. As fate would have it, he struck a tree roof on a swing. This ended up injuring his right arm. “A bone kind of popped out and the joint kind of went out of place, but I put it back in,” Woods said. Five months later, he had to go through a second microdiscectomy surgery on his back to get rid of the fragments that were pinching a nerve.

A month later, the 15X Major Champion had to endure another back surgery to get comfort from the pain he had been having through the past few months. 2015 was the year he missed the cut in three of the four majors.

3. 2017

2017 was the year Woods returned, hopeful of regaining his dominance. Only to not succeed. The 82x Tour winner withdrew from the second round of the Dubai Desert Classic citing back spasms. His agent at the time, Mark Steinberg, said the problem was unrelated to Woods’s nerve issues, and the golfer would not play another tournament that season. Tiger Woods had his fourth back surgery almost after two years in April. It was a Spinal Fusion that was to help him relieve the severe pain he had been going through all these years.

After the surgery, he released a statement, “The surgery went well, and I’m optimistic this will relieve my back spasms and pain. When healed, I look forward to getting back to a normal life, playing with my kids, competing in professional golf, and living without the pain I have been battling so long. I would like to thank all the fans for staying in touch and their kind wishes. The support I have received has never waned, and it really helps.”

4. 2021

In January 2021, Woods underwent another microdiscectomy to help with a bulging disc. He didn’t compete professionally that year following a severe car accident in February. And well, ever since the life-altering accident, he has not been able to play full-time on the PGA Tour, and this was due to all the injuries that he had endured from it.

5. 2024

Tiger Woods underwent his sixth back surgery in September 2024 to address a nerve impingement causing back spasms throughout the season. The procedure, microdecompression surgery on his lumbar spine, aimed to alleviate chronic pain and improve his mobility. The surgery was performed by Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Florida and was deemed successful.

Apart from his comeback at the 2024 Hero World Challenge, he was also speculated to return for the PNC Championship with his son Charlie Woods. However, the family affair will be hosted only two weeks away from the event that he withdrew, which makes his chances of appearing in it slimmer or even better, depending on his speed of recovery.

Okay, so let’s be real—when someone from the golf community says ‘the greatest of all time’, what’s the first name that pops into your head? If not first, we are sure Tiger Woods is at least the second name that pops up. Love him or not, Woods isn’t just a name in golf; he’s ‘the’ name, the one who’s redefined what it means to dominate the sport.

It’s been a while since we’ve seen him swinging a club. But has Woods’s absence dulled the loyalty of his fans? Not one bit. They’re as eager as ever to catch a glimpse or hear from him. And to their excitement, Woods might just appear on Bryson DeChambeau’s YouTube series, Break 50.  Hey, it is still a ‘Probably’ thing.

Bryson DeChambeau’s Break 50’s season 1 ended on a high note with him calling Phil Mickelson to the show. The series is now returning and the 2x US Open winner posted a hint who his guest might be. He didn’t mention Woods’s name directly but he mentioned a 7-word description, “the greatest to ever play the game.”

Tiger Woods Car Collections

The 15x major winner is recovering from the sixth back surgery that he got in September. Many hoped he’d make his return at the Hero World Challenge from December 5–8, a tournament he usually plays and has been his stage of comeback. But, unfortunately, Woods confirmed he won’t be competing this year. He took to social media to express his disappointment, saying he won’t be able to participate but will still enjoy hosting the prestigious event.

The 15x major winner is recovering from the sixth back surgery that he got in September. Many hoped he’d make his return at the Hero World Challenge from December 5–8, a tournament he usually plays and has been his stage of comeback. But, unfortunately, Woods confirmed he won’t be competing this year. He took to social media to express his disappointment, saying he won’t be able to participate but will still enjoy hosting the prestigious event.

Tiger Woods PGA Championship

Dechambeau‘s tweet indeed came as a hope for many, who are looking forward to any glimpse of Woods. As soon as the tweet dropped, fans flooded the comment section with their assumptions. One fan confidently wrote, “Obv Tiger.” Another chimed in with excitement: “The Big Cat.” And one couldn’t contain their enthusiasm, pleading, “Tiger? Tiger! Please be TW. Please!” Having his last appearance on the greens in July at The Open, fans are now longing for his return. DeChambeau’s video or the PNC Championship are their only hopes for the remaining 2024. In 2025, the world will him playing in TGL.

Some fans were still unsure, with one guessing, “It’s MJ or Tiger. I lean towards Tiger.” Another was even more certain: “If it ain’t Tiger, then it’s just a clickbait title.” You say GOAT in golf, people hear Woods. After all, being the one with 82 Tour titles, 15 major wins, and only billionaire golfer does not come to those who are ordinary.

We’ve been fighting that [slow play] for, God, ever since I grew up watching the game,” said an exasperated Tiger Woods in 2019. Not the first time, the 15-time major champion was vocal about the pace of play. In 2012, Woods suggested strict penalties – not in dough but in strokes – to curb slow play. “Strokes [are] money,” said the former world no.1.

As a player, he couldn’t steamroll that decision over the entire cohort of PGA Tour pros. But now that the 48-year-old has his own league, TGL, Woods and his buddy, Rory McIlroy were quick to walk the talk.

Entered shot clock.  You get 40 seconds to hit a shot. Miss it and you get docked one stroke.

Tiger Woods Car Collections

Severe, you say? Well, vociferous slow-play critic, Matt Fitzpatrick is on board as are his teammates. The former US Open champ is part of TGL’s New York Golf Club. In a promotional event, former NFL quarterback, avid golfer, and New York Golf Club’s investor, Eli Manning asked, “What about [the] shot clock? Is that scary or exciting?

I think that’s good for us,” the British International said after looking at his teammates.  Now, the Englishman follows a meticulous note-taking routine himself. His yardage book is filled with scribbling about the grains and greens. But Fitzpatrick is one of the fastest players on the Tour, regardless.

New York Golf Club’s roster includes Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, and Cameron Young. Appearing as gusts in the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (Fallon is another investor in the TGL franchise), Fitzpatrick & Co. emphasized shot clock won’t cause any headaches for them.

Matt Fitzpatrick’s support for the shot clock wasn’t really surprising. The 2023 RBC Heritage champion has never pulled the punches when it came to slow play. Even recently, the 30-year-old tweeted in support of Lucas Glover who lambasted the PGA Tour’s recent changes.

Tiger Woods USGA

Matt Fitzpatrick lamented the PGA Tour’s lack of sincerity in curbing slow play

The PGA Tour Policy Board has approved the controversial changes to overhaul the structure of the Tour in 2026. The 156-player field will now be reduced to 144, 132, and in some cases 120. The rationale was that reducing field size would allow events to be wrapped up in time instead of spilling over to the next day.

2009 US Open champion, Lucas Glover Frankley called it ‘terrible’. The veteran player told Golfweek, “And then hiding behind [the] pace of play, I think challenges our intelligence. They think we’re stupid.” Fitzpatrick agreed. “He’s so right, pathetic that pace of play is spoken about every year and nothing ever gets done,” the two-time PGA Tour winner tweeted.

“DISAPPOINTED” Tiger Woods has been forced into a schedule U-turn as he goes back on his Open promise.

The legendary golfer, 48, has not played competitively since missing the cut at the British Open in July.

At Royal Troon, Woods revealed he was looking forward to playing at December’s Hero World Challenge in The Bahamas.

Tiger Woods makes Hero World Challenge decision, will disappoint fans -  SBNation.com

READ: Tiger Woods rules himself out of Tournament

However, the 15-time major winner confirmed he will not tee off in Albany next week – although he did not give a reason.

Woods tweeted: “I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete this year at the Hero World Challenge, but always look forward to being tournament host.”

Woods was left off the initial player field list last month.

But he was expected to be given one of the three exemption spots for the unofficial event featuring 20 of the world’s biggest stars.

Now, though, Woods has declared himself out of the playing field and will instead only host the event.

Two-time major winner Justin Thomas, former PGA Championship king Jason Day and 20-year-old rising talent Nick Dunlap received the exemption places for the prestigious tournament from December 5 to 8.

World No1, Olympic gold medalist and defending champion Scottie Scheffler heads the star-studded field.

He is joined by the likes of Ludvig Aberg, Wyndham Clark, Patrick Cantlay, Bob MacIntyre and Tony Finau.

Woods has played just five tournaments this year, including the Masters where he made the cut for a record 24th time in a row.

He eventually finished 60th at Augusta but missed the cut at the other three majors.

Woods went under the knife for microdecompression surgery to fix nerve impingement on his lower back in September.

And following the op, he was hopeful of a swift return to the course.

Woods said at the time: “The surgery went smoothly, and I’m hopeful this will help alleviate the back spasms and pain I was experiencing throughout most of the 2024 season.

“I look forward to tackling this rehab and preparing myself to get back to normal life activities, including golf.”

Woods could compete in the PNC Championship later in December alongside son Charlie.

But if he is still not ready for that, then the next time golf fans are likely to see him swing a club will be at the delayed launch of his new venture with Rory McIlroy, the TGL.

Tiger Woods has delayed his return to competitive golf, revealing he was “disappointed” not to be taking part in next month’s Hero World Challenge – a tournament he hosts.

The 15-time Major champion was anticipated to take one of the three exemption spots in the 20-player event in the Bahamas, which features some of the world’s top golfers. However, Woods has decided against participating.

“I am disappointed that I will not be able to compete this year, but always look forward to being tournament host,” Woods wrote on X.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour LIV Golf

READ: Hopes of Tiger Woods Fulfilling Months-Old Promise to Son Charlie Still Alive Despite Deafening Silence

The three exemtpions will be filled by Justin Thomas, Nick Dunlap and Jason Day.

While Woods has not provided a specific reason for opting to skip the tournament, it is widely believed he is still recovering from the microdecompression surgery he underwent on his lumbar spine in September.

The procedure was the latest chapter in Woods’ long history of back issues. His troubles date back more than a decade to the 2014 Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches, where he withdrew due to back spasms.

That spring, he underwent surgery for a pinched nerve, forcing him to miss the Masters for the first time in his professional career. Over the years, Woods withdrew from numerous events citing back pain and underwent five microdiscectomy surgeries between April 2014 and January 2021.

His physical challenges were compounded by a car accident in February 2021, which caused open fractures in his right leg and severe ankle trauma. To stabilise his leg, doctors inserted a rod, screws and pins.

In 2023, Woods withdrew from the Masters during the third round, citing plantar fasciitis in his right ankle. This led to a subtalar fusion procedure in April, sidelining him for 10 months.

At the Hero World Challenge last December, Woods expressed hope of competing more regularly in 2024, targeting one tournament per month. However, that plan faltered as his body failed to hold up.

He withdrew from the Genesis Invitational in February, his first event of the year, and made only four additional starts – all at Major Championships.

Of those, he missed the cut in three, only making the weekend at the Masters, where he broke the record for most consecutive cuts made at Augusta National with 24.

Verified by MonsterInsights