A Comprehensive Overview of Tiger Woods’ Career-Defining Injuries

Golf legend Tiger Woods, a 15-time major winner, has frequently faced significant physical challenges throughout his illustrious career. His recent back disc replacement surgery and a prior Achilles tendon rupture earlier in the year highlight a long history of injuries that have impacted his performance and time on the PGA Tour.

Below is a chronological account of some of the most notable injuries Woods has sustained:

October 10, 2025: Back Surgery

On October 10, 2025, Tiger Woods underwent his seventh back operation, a lumbar disc replacement, performed in New York. This marked his second surgery within the year and his second back surgery in just over a year. Woods publicly stated his decision was crucial for his health, explaining that scans revealed a collapsed L4/5 disc, fragments, and spinal canal compromise, all contributing to severe pain and reduced mobility.

March 11, 2025: Achilles Tendon Injury

Earlier in 2025, specifically on March 11, Woods, at 49 years old, had surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon. The injury occurred during training, and the minimally invasive procedure, performed by Dr. Charlton Stucken, was deemed successful with expectations for a full recovery.

September 13, 2024: Back Surgery

September 13, 2024, saw Woods undergo another lower back procedure, a microdecompression surgery targeting nerve impingement. He expressed optimism that this intervention would relieve the persistent back spasms and pain that had affected him throughout the 2024 season.

April 19, 2023: Ankle Surgery

On April 19, 2023, Woods had subtalar fusion surgery on his right ankle. This procedure, performed by Dr. Martin O’Malley, aimed to alleviate post-traumatic arthritis stemming from a talus fracture sustained during a severe car crash in February 2021. The surgery was reported as successful, initiating his recovery.

April 9, 2023: Withdraws from Masters

Prior to Sunday play at the Masters on April 9, 2023, Woods withdrew, citing a reaggravation of plantar fasciitis. This withdrawal meant he would not complete the 28.5 holes required due to weather delays.

February 23, 2021: Injuries from Car Crash

A life-threatening single-car crash on February 23, 2021, in Southern California left Woods severely injured and trapped. Emergency surgery was required for `open fractures` to his lower right leg, involving the insertion of a rod in his tibia and screws and pins in his foot and ankle. Dr. Anish Mahajan described the extensive orthopedic trauma, which also necessitated relieving pressure from swelling.

December 23, 2021: Another Back Procedure

Towards the end of 2021, on December 23, Woods underwent his fifth back procedure and fourth microdiscectomy. This surgery aimed to alleviate persistent nerve pain in his lower back, with a typical recovery period of 2.5 to 3 months.

August 20, 2019: Left Knee Surgery

On August 20, 2019, Woods underwent his fifth arthroscopic procedure on his left knee. He acknowledged that the knee had been problematic throughout the summer and confirmed he would be ready for the upcoming Zozo Championship in Japan.

April 20, 2017: Back Surgery

April 20, 2017, marked another successful back surgery for Woods, performed to address chronic back and leg pain. He expressed optimism about recovering and returning to a pain-free life, including playing golf professionally and with his children.

February 3, 2017: Back Spasms

On February 3, 2017, Woods withdrew from the Dubai Desert Classic due to back spasms. His agent clarified that this issue was distinct from the nerve problems that had necessitated three previous surgeries, with the most recent in 2015.

October 28, 2015: Follow-up Back Procedure

A follow-up back procedure was performed on October 28, 2015, by Dr. Charles Rich, approximately a month after his second back surgery within 18 months. This was done to alleviate persistent discomfort.

September 16, 2015: Back Surgery Again

Despite achieving his best finish of 2015 in August, Tiger Woods concluded his season prematurely on September 16, 2015, undergoing a second microdiscectomy surgery. This surgery followed a year where he missed the cut in three of four majors, and he aimed for a return in early 2016.

April 1, 2014: Back Surgery

On April 1, 2014, Woods confirmed he would miss the Masters following a microdiscectomy for a long-standing pinched nerve. He successfully returned to golf by late June at the Quicken Loans National.

March 18, 2014: Back Spasms

Persistent pain led Woods to withdraw from the Arnold Palmer Invitational on March 18, 2014.

March 2, 2014: Back Issues

During the final round of the Honda Classic on March 2, 2014, Woods withdrew due to back issues.

March 11, 2012: Injury to Left Achilles Tendon

Woods withdrew from the final round of the WGC-Cadillac Championship on March 11, 2012, due to an injury to his left Achilles tendon.

May 12, 2011: Knee, Achilles Act Up

May 12, 2011, saw Woods withdraw from The Players Championship after just nine holes (scoring 42), experiencing simultaneous issues with his knee, Achilles, and calf cramping. He remained off the tour until the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in August.

April 26, 2011: Left MCL Sprain, Strained Left Achilles Tendon

On April 26, 2011, Woods announced he would skip the Wells Fargo Championship after medical evaluation confirmed a Grade 1 MCL sprain and a mild left Achilles tendon strain. These injuries occurred during an awkward shot at the Masters, though he managed to complete the tournament.

2010: Apparent Neck Injury

In 2010, Woods withdrew from the final round of The Players Championship due to a neck injury, later diagnosed via MRI as an inflamed facet joint.

2008-09: Torn Right Achilles Tendon

During the 2010 Masters, Woods disclosed that he had initially torn his right Achilles tendon in 2008, experiencing multiple reinjuries throughout 2009, yet continued to compete despite the setbacks.

2008: Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

In 2008, shortly after finishing second at the Masters, Woods underwent arthroscopic knee surgery to clear cartilage. He made a remarkable return at the U.S. Open, securing a victory. However, this triumph was followed by reconstructive surgery on a damaged ACL and the discovery of a double stress fracture in his left tibia, leading him to miss the rest of the 2008 season.

2007: Ruptured ACL

Following the 2007 British Open, Woods ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee during a run at home. Remarkably, he chose not to undergo surgery at that time and proceeded to win five of his subsequent six tournaments.