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Tiger Woods Update: “I want to play professional golf again”

Published

9 years ago

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In a blog post on his website on Wednesday, Tiger Woods said he “unequivocally” wants to play professional golf again following his spinal fusion surgery, and that he hasn’t “felt this good in years.”

In April, Woods surprised the world by announcing a fourth back surgery, except this time instead of a minimally-invasive surgery like the previous three, it was a spinal fusion. “You mention the word ‘fusion,’ and it’s scary,” Woods admits in his recent blog post.

But judging by his sentiments on Wednesday, the surgery was successful and his outlook is positive — not only for his well-being but in terms of getting back to competition.

“As for returning to competitive golf, the long-term prognosis is positive,” Tiger writes. “My surgeon and physiotherapist say the operation was successful. It’s just a matter of not screwing up and letting it fuse. I’m walking and doing my exercises, and taking my kids to and from school. All I can do is take it day by day. There’s no hurry.

“But, I want to say unequivocally, I want to play professional golf again.

“Presently, I’m not looking ahead. I can’t twist for another two and a half to three months. Right now, my sole focus is rehab and doing what the doctors tell me. I am concentrating on short-term goals.”

Woods has no timeline for when he will tee it up again, but he does “like Golden State to win the NBA Championship.” It’s good to hear Woods is on the road to recovery and in good spirits.

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33 Comments

33 Comments

  1. harley

    May 26, 2017 at 6:15 pm

    HOW OR WHY WOULD ANYONE ‘HATE” SOMEONE !!! SAD.

    Reply Report comment

  2. JThunder

    May 26, 2017 at 5:53 pm

    The problem with Tiger’s lap-dog fanbase is that they – especially those in front of cameras – distract from so much of what is ACTUALLY going on in golf. There is so much happening, so many great players to watch, but the ominous cloud of “when will Tiger return, ‘move the needle’ and save us all” hangs like so many other media-hyped absolutist platitudes. Tiger is closer to flat-lining than moving the needle – career-wise – whether you love him, hate him, or don’t care about him.

    Reply Report comment

    • Missing the Point

      May 26, 2017 at 7:38 pm

      You cant refer to a “lap-dog” fanbase in a post suggesting that he doesn’t “move the needle”. That’s completely incongruous.

      Reply Report comment

  3. Darrin

    May 26, 2017 at 11:07 am

    Even if it does heal properly, the ability to practice enough to compete at a high level, not to mention, travel, practice rounds, pro-AM’s more practice and then (hopefully) 4 rounds of golf……
    I just don’t see it happening, playing tour golf is hard on the body, but after spinal fusion, I just don’t think it’s possible to get your game in shape and maintain it.

    Reply Report comment

  4. Darryl

    May 26, 2017 at 2:55 am

    Isn’t this just his monthly “I’m still here” message for his sponsors/backers/fans. Just keeping the brand in the spotlight. I don’t think he’ll play at the very top level again. If it wasn’t Tiger, surely the surgeon would be telling him to keep flexible, avoid unnecessary heavy lifting and rest up whenever possible? The problem for top level professional sports people these days is the rewards are so vast and, yes, the egos so expansive, that there is pressure on all sides to get them healthy *enough* to carry on.

    I’m not an orthopedic surgeon, nor do I play one on TV, but surely if he was to go through this cycle of play-strain-surgery-rehab again, he must be running the risk of compromising his mobility later in life? I was also wondering, given the inexplicable short game woes that beset him during his last couple of comebacks, could that be symptomatic of accumulative damage from numerous surgeries on the spine, causing problems with sensation and brain/muscle communication? It wouldn’t cause too many apparent issues at full speed, but on slow swing finesse shots it might be different. Again, I’m not a medical professional.

    I understand his desire, but I think it’s a case of the spirit being willing, but the flesh (or the bone) being just too spongy and bruised to continue.

    Reply Report comment

    • Surgeon

      May 26, 2017 at 7:35 pm

      Your theory on his short game woes definitely confirms that you aren’t a surgeon.

      Reply Report comment

  5. Gary Player

    May 25, 2017 at 10:33 pm

    Give me my putter back!

    Reply Report comment

  6. square

    May 25, 2017 at 8:52 pm

    Take your time, come back when you have a chance to make a real come back. I would love to watch another run. Good luck!

    Reply Report comment

  7. Desmond

    May 25, 2017 at 7:38 pm

    From Mayo Clinic – does not sound encouraging at the end : Spinal fusion is surgery to permanently connect two or more vertebrae in your spine, eliminating motion between them.

    Spinal fusion involves techniques designed to mimic the normal healing process of broken bones. During spinal fusion, your surgeon places bone or a bonelike material within the space between two spinal vertebrae. Metal plates, screws and rods may be used to hold the vertebrae together, so they can heal into one solid unit.

    Because spinal fusion surgery immobilizes parts of your spine, it changes the way your spine can move. This places additional stress and strain on the vertebrae above and below the fused portion, and may increase the rate at which those areas of your spine degenerate.

    Reply Report comment

  8. AceW7Iron

    May 25, 2017 at 4:46 pm

    I was berated 5 years ago when I saw the writing on the wall and posted it in a blog but the truth is there for all who want to take the red pill…Jack has as much a chance of winning a PGA event as TW going forward. Its not “only” that his spine is a fragile string pieced together with duct tape…Its the alarming speed at which his short game abandoned him. If he had never shown the chipping/putting yips the % would be greater of at least competing again but with that out in the open? Not happening…

    Reply Report comment

  9. Devilsadvocate

    May 25, 2017 at 6:49 am

    Lol when you hate tiger SO MUCH you don’t believe anyone else could actually be a fan. Tiger played the best golf that was ever played! You don’t think MAYBE he might still have a few fans?

    Reply Report comment

    • JThunder

      May 26, 2017 at 5:47 pm

      Jack Nicklaus still has a lot of fans. But he’s not going to win a PGA Tour event again because of it.

      Reply Report comment

  10. Devilsadvocate

    May 25, 2017 at 6:43 am

    Lol when your hatred for TW is so strong you don’t believe his fans exist… Tiger Woods played the best golf anyone has ever played… MAYBE not everyone is as full of hatred as you are buddy

    Reply Report comment

    • Tiger Woods

      May 25, 2017 at 10:40 pm

      Now back to talking about me. I have to stay relevant.

      Reply Report comment

  11. Bobbyeggroll

    May 24, 2017 at 6:17 pm

    Just needs some reps after he activates his glutes and he MAY make a cut! Tiger is still Tiger and many will watch. I hate the guy and even I watch!!

    Reply Report comment

  12. ooffa

    May 24, 2017 at 5:29 pm

    Ya, I want to play professional golf also. We both have the same chance. None!

    Reply Report comment

  13. new stuff!!

    May 24, 2017 at 5:18 pm

    so many Debbie Downers.
    go pregame to slow jamz, eat seafood in Oklahoma, mix camo,
    get spinal fusion, let it fuse, take your kids to school, rehab up.
    you do you.

    Reply Report comment

    • Huh?

      May 25, 2017 at 11:11 am

      Can someone please translate this for me?

      Reply Report comment

      • LIHacker

        May 25, 2017 at 1:44 pm

        Strong am I with the Force, but not that strong – yoda

        Reply Report comment

  14. Tazz2293

    May 24, 2017 at 4:11 pm

    Sorry Eldrick. You may play again at great risk to your health and life going forward but you will never be “Tiger” again.

    Relax, live life, enjoy your weekday rounds with friends. There is more to life than golf. You no longer need the money, nor can you compete with the young guys anymore.

    Go enjoy life dude.

    Reply Report comment

  15. Phil

    May 24, 2017 at 3:43 pm

    Whatever Tiger says, do the opposite.

    Reply Report comment

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