Woods undergoes lower back surgery

Tiger Woods underwent microdecompression surgery of the lumbar spine for nerve impingement in his lower back Friday, he announced.

"The surgery went smoothly, and I'm hopeful this will help alleviate the back spasms and pain I was experiencing throughout most of the 2024 season," he said in a statement. "I look forward to tackling this rehab and preparing myself to get back to normal life activities, including golf."

Woods struggled mightily this past season. The 15-time major champion withdrew from the Genesis Invitational in February with flu-like symptoms, finished 60th at the Masters in April, then missed cuts at the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and The Open Championship.

He underwent ankle surgery in April 2023 after dealing with post-traumatic arthritis in his right ankle following a car accident two years earlier.

The 48-year-old played in only three tournaments in 2022-23. He tied for 45th at the Genesis Invitational, withdrew from the Masters due to injury, and finished 18th at the Hero World Challenge, which he hosts annually.