Golf legend Tiger Woods has recently undergone another surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon, sustained while increasing his training regimen at home. This marks the latest in a series of injury setbacks for Woods, who had back surgery as recently as September.
Below is a timeline outlining the injuries Woods has faced during his illustrious PGA Tour career.
March 11, 2025: Achilles Tendon Rupture
Woods underwent surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon after injuring it during training at home. He announced the surgery, performed by Dr. Charlton Stucken, who stated the procedure was minimally invasive and a full recovery is expected.
September 13, 2024: Back Surgery
Woods had surgery on his lower back, a microdecompression procedure to address nerve impingement. Woods expressed hope that this surgery would alleviate the back spasms and pain he experienced throughout the 2024 season.
April 19, 2023: Ankle Surgery
Surgery was performed to address post-traumatic arthritis in Woods’ right ankle, a consequence of injuries from a car accident in February 2021. The subtalar fusion procedure, performed by Dr. Martin O’Malley, was deemed successful.
April 9, 2023: Masters Withdrawal
Woods withdrew from the Masters tournament on Sunday due to a reaggravation of plantar fasciitis.
February 23, 2021: Car Crash Injuries
Woods was involved in a serious single-vehicle car accident in Southern California, resulting in ‘open fractures’ to his lower right leg. Emergency surgery was required to insert a rod into his tibia and use screws and pins to repair foot and ankle injuries.
Dr. Anish Mahajan reported that Woods suffered significant orthopedic injuries to his right lower extremity, requiring stabilization of the tibia and repair of foot and ankle bones. A procedure to relieve pressure from swelling was also performed.
December 23, 2021: Back Procedure
Woods underwent a fifth back procedure, his fourth microdiscectomy, to relieve nerve pain in his lower back. Recovery time was estimated at 2½ to 3 months.
August 20, 2019: Left Knee Surgery
Woods had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee for the fifth time. He mentioned the knee had been bothering him throughout the summer and that he had delayed the procedure.
April 20, 2017: Back Surgery
Woods announced successful back surgery to alleviate ongoing back and leg pain. He expressed optimism about returning to a normal life and professional golf without pain.
February 3, 2017: Back Spasms
Woods withdrew from the Dubai Desert Classic due to back spasms. His agent clarified that it was not related to previous nerve issues or surgeries.
October 28, 2015: Follow-up Back Procedure
A follow-up procedure was performed to relieve discomfort after his second back surgery in a year and a half. Dr. Charles Rich performed the procedure.
September 16, 2015: Back Surgery
Woods underwent a second microdiscectomy surgery in September after missing the cut in three of four major tournaments in 2015. He hoped to return in early 2016.
April 1, 2014: Back Surgery
Woods missed the Masters after undergoing a microdiscectomy for a pinched nerve that had been causing him pain for months. He returned to golf in late June.
March 18, 2014: Back Spasms
Woods withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational due to persistent pain.
March 2, 2014: Back Issues
Woods withdrew from the final round of the Honda Classic.
March 11, 2012: Left Achilles Tendon Injury
Woods withdrew from the final round of the WGC-Cadillac Championship.
May 12, 2011: Knee and Achilles Issues
Woods withdrew from the Players Championship after nine holes due to knee and Achilles issues, followed by calf cramping.
April 26, 2011: Left MCL Sprain, Achilles Strain
Woods missed the Wells Fargo Championship due to a Grade 1 MCL sprain and a mild Achilles strain suffered at the Masters.
2010: Neck Injury
Woods withdrew from the Players Championship during the final round due to a neck injury. An MRI revealed an inflamed facet joint.
2008-09: Torn Right Achilles Tendon
Woods revealed at the 2010 Masters that he tore his right Achilles in 2008 and reinjured it multiple times in 2009 while continuing to play.
2008: Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Two days after the 2008 Masters, Woods had arthroscopic knee surgery to clean out cartilage. He returned to win the U.S. Open despite also having a double stress fracture in his left tibia.
2007: Ruptured ACL
Woods ruptured his ACL in his left knee after the 2007 British Open but chose to delay surgery. He won five of his next six tournaments despite the injury.
