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Tiger Woods has announced yet another blow to his career: a ruptured left Achilles tendon. The 15-time major champion revealed the injury occurred during a recent training session at home. He underwent a minimally invasive procedure Tuesday performed by Dr. Charlton Stucken at the Hospital for Special Surgery in West Palm Beach, Florida.
“While I began to ramp up my own practice and training at home, I had a sudden left Achilles pain that was diagnosed as ruptured,” Woods shared on X. “This morning, Dr. Charlton Stucken… performed a minimally-invasive Achilles tendon repair… I am now home and will focus on my rehab and recovery.”
Stucken confirmed the surgery was successful and was optimistic about Woods recovering fully. But no timeline was provided for when Woods would return to competition. Normal recovery time for a ruptured Achilles is four to six months, perhaps longer for elite athletes, according to Cleveland Clinic guidelines.
This latest injury comes on top of a long string of physical setbacks for Woods, who has had multiple back and knee operations throughout his playing career. Last September, he had surgery on his back that ended his 2024 season before it was to start. When he made that announcement, he admitted he wasn’t “physically ready yet to compete” and battled rising levels of pain despite rehab.
Woods did not compete in this week’s Players Championship, a tournament that he has won twice. He competed in the 2024 PNC Championship for his previous start and had been gearing up for his return prior to the upcoming major season. His plans for a comeback are again pushed back.
Aside from the physical, Woods has also suffered emotional challenges last year when his mother passed away. While he participated in TGL matches, he avoided playing in full-time tournaments as he grieved and recovered.
This is another installment in a career marked as much by comeback as by dominance. Since his 2021 car crash, when he broke multiple legs, Woods has tried to stage several comeback shows. Despite scant appearances, the public still turns out in droves to see him whenever he tees off.
Whether or not Woods will tee it up once more in 2025 is unknown. But this much is certain — the journey back will require patience, determination, and yet another battle to regain.
