In February 2026, golf icon Tiger Woods revealed that his comeback to professional golf would be postponed for “some time.” This update arrived nearly four months after he underwent his seventh back surgery in October 2025. The 50-year-old, who had disc replacement surgery, watched his Jupiter Links team secure its first TGL win of 2026 but confirmed he would not be returning to competition for an indefinite period.
On October 10, Woods underwent a lumbar disc replacement. He shared the news in a statement on X, explaining that recent medical tests had identified significant issues in his lower spine. Imaging revealed a collapsed disc at L4/5, disc fragments, and a narrowed spinal canal, leading him to proceed with lumbar disc replacement surgery.
“I opted to have my disc replaced yesterday, and I already know I made a good decision for my health and my back,” Woods said in his announcement.
The surgery was performed by spinal specialist Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. It marked Woods’ third significant operation since 2024, following a microdecompression procedure in September 2024 and Achilles tendon repair in March 2025.
Woods’ back issues date back to 2014, when he had his first microdiscectomy to address a pinched nerve. He later underwent spinal fusion surgery in 2017, which eventually paved the way for his triumphant return at the 2019 Masters Tournament—his 15th major title and fifth green jacket.
Since a severe car accident in February 2021 that caused devastating injuries to his right leg and ankle, the 15-time major winner has competed in only 11 PGA Tour events. The crash resulted in compound fractures requiring emergency surgery.
In 2024, Woods completed a full major championship slate for the first time in five years. He finished last among players who made the weekend cut at the Masters and missed the cut at the remaining three majors. His most recent official PGA Tour event was the Open Championship at Royal Troon in July 2024.
Woods’ 2025 season was further disrupted by the passing of his mother, Kultida Woods, in February. He withdrew from the Genesis Invitational following her death, calling her his strongest supporter and “greatest fan.”
Since the Open in July 2024, Woods’ only competitive outings have been with his 15-year-old son, Charlie, at the PNC Championship in December 2024—where carts are allowed—and in TGL events for Jupiter Links GC. The indoor golf league, which Woods helped create, provided him with a way to compete in a limited capacity while managing his physical challenges.
During the Hero World Challenge on Dec. 7, 2025, Woods offered his first public remarks since the October surgery. The event, which he hosts in the Bahamas, ended with Hideki Matsuyama claiming the title in a playoff. However, Woods’ recovery update drew the most attention. He acknowledged that his recovery was moving slower than expected and said doctors had restricted his movements early on to ensure proper healing. At that point, Woods had only just resumed chipping and putting.
In early February 2026, during Jupiter Links GC’s first TGL victory of the year against Atlanta Drive GC, Woods gave a sobering update on his timeline. When asked about a return to competition, Woods replied: “Playing here? I don’t know. I like watching these guys. As far as competitive golf, it’s still some time.”
Although listed on the Jupiter Links roster, Woods confirmed he would not compete in TGL this season. His extended break from competitive play has dropped him to 2,590th in the world rankings—his lowest standing ever. He may become officially unranked by week 29 of 2026, which coincides with the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in July, unless he competes in an OWGR-sanctioned event before then. OWGR rankings operate on a two-year cycle, and Woods’ last qualifying event was the 2024 Open at Royal Troon.
In late December 2025, fellow pro John Daly offered an optimistic outlook on Woods’ prospects on the senior circuit. Speaking to Hard Rock Bet, the two-time major champion remarked that Woods “only needs to be about 75% healthy to pretty much kick everybody’s a**” on the PGA Tour Champions, which he became eligible for at age 50. Woods, however, has remained cautious, saying in December that he is “a ways away from that part of it and that type of decision, that type of commitment level.”
Woods has now been cleared for strength training and rotational movements—key components of the golf swing that were previously off-limits. He has not committed to a return date.