Tiger Woods undergoes back surgery, hopes to return in early 2016

Tiger Woods underwent back surgery Wednesday and is hopeful he'll be able to return to competition early in 2016, he announced on his website.

"This is certainly disappointing, but I'm a fighter," Woods said. "I've been told I can make a full recovery, and I have no doubt that I will."

A small disc fragment that was pinching Woods' nerve was removed, according to neurosurgeon Dr. Charles Rich, who performed the operation.

The issue was causing Woods back and hip discomfort, and he elected to have the surgery - his second on his back in two years. He'll start rehab in a week.

"I appreciate the fans' concern and support," Woods added. "This is unfortunate, but these things happen. I've been injured before and played again. It won't be any different this time."

It's been a difficult 2015 for Woods, who recorded only one top-10 finish in 11 events. He's ranked 283rd in the world in the Official World Golf Rankings.