LOS ANGELES — 15-time main champion Tiger Woods stated Tuesday that he hasn’t dominated out a return to skilled golf as early as April at this 12 months’s Masters Event.
Woods, 50, underwent lumbar disc alternative surgical procedure in October and likewise tore his left Achilles tendon final March. He has not performed in a match for the reason that 2024 British Open at Royal Troon.
“It was difficult,” stated Woods, who might be match host at this week’s Genesis Invitational. “My physique has been by means of quite a bit. I simply maintain engaged on it each day and attempting to maintain progressing and getting it to a stage the place I can play on the highest stage.”
Woods stated his left Achilles tendon is ok and he can now hit full golf photographs, however the after-effects of the disc alternative surgical procedure are extra of an issue.
“It simply hurts. It takes time,” he stated. “(Will Zalatoris) went by means of that and it took him some time to return again. I am a little bit older (than him) so it is in all probability going to take a little bit longer.”
There is no such thing as a official timetable for Woods’ return. Though Woods’ recreation has proven acquainted flashes of greatness in recent times, the price of his again surgical procedure has made it tough for him to stroll 72 holes throughout a match.
Woods beforehand dismissed the thought of taking part in whereas driving in a cart, however stated Tuesday he would think about it on the Champions Tour. At 50 years outdated, Woods is eligible to play on that tour.
“As we enter a brand new decade, the numbers are beginning to take maintain and it is making me take into consideration the alternatives to play in karts,” he stated. “Like I stated, I do not imagine in it, so I will not try this on this tour. However on the Champions Tour, it is positively a possibility.”
Along with his rehabilitation, Woods is a member of the PGA Tour Coverage Committee and vice chairman of the PGA Tour Enterprises Board of Administrators. He’s deeply concerned within the PGA Tour’s future format restructuring and schedule modifications, which he stated he hopes to implement as early as subsequent season.
That is why Woods stated he hasn’t but decided concerning the different function he is being requested to play: captaining Group USA’s Ryder Cup at Adair Manor in 2027.
“They’ve requested for my opinion on it, however I have never decided but,” Woods stated. “I am attempting to determine what we’re attempting to do on our tour. It drives me hours each day and I am attempting to determine if I can do it justice for my time and truly do it for the crew, Group USA, the gamers and everybody concerned within the Ryder Cup.”
