For years, Tiger Woods was the most dominant force in golf. Whether chasing down opponents or extending his lead, his presence alone could dictate the outcome of a tournament.
But those days are long gone. Woods has spent the past decade battling injuries, personal struggles, and the relentless passage of time. Now, after yet another major injury, the biggest question remains-will he ever return to competitive golf?
Another setback for Woods
On Tuesday, Woods announced that he had ruptured his left Achilles while preparing for a return to the PGA Tour. The injury required immediate surgery, and he is now focused on recovery.
“As I began to ramp up my own training and practice at home, I felt a sharp pain in my left Achilles, which was deemed to be ruptured. I am back home now and plan to focus on my recovery and rehab,” Woods explained in a statement
This injury adds to a long list of physical challenges he has endured, from multiple back surgeries to the near-fatal 2021 car crash that nearly cost him his right leg. He was expected to return at The Genesis Invitational last month but withdrew following the passing of his mother. With this latest setback, his return to competitive golf remains uncertain.
Golf analyst Dan Rapaport believes this may be the final straw.
“This could be the end of Tiger Woods. If his heart’s not in it, his body is doubly not in it,” he explained on ‘Dan on Golf’.
He also pointed out that Woods’ Achilles injury affects his left leg-the one that absorbs the most pressure in his golf swing-making a comeback even more difficult.
Rapaport compared Woods’ situation to Bernhard Langer, who recovered from an Achilles injury in just three months. However, he noted that Langer, despite being 18 years older, is in far better physical condition than Woods.
“It’s been over four years since the accident, and his best finish in those four years was a tie for 45th at the Genesis Invitational.”
Woods has already scaled back his playing schedule, prioritizing major tournaments. However, with an Achilles injury requiring at least four to six months of recovery, his participation in the 2025 Masters seems unlikely. Even beyond that, his ability to compete at the highest level remains in doubt.
At 49, Woods faces an uphill battle. Walking 18 holes over four days has already been a challenge due to his injuries, and another major setback only makes things more difficult. While his legacy as one of golf’s greatest players is secure, the biggest question now is whether he has the will-and the physical ability-to make yet another comeback.
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