PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Tiger Woods, the renowned 15-time major champion, recently underwent surgery to address a ruptured left Achilles tendon. Rory McIlroy expressed skepticism regarding Woods’ return to the PGA Tour this season following this setback.

Details of the Surgery

Woods, aged 49, sustained the injury while preparing for the upcoming Masters tournament scheduled for April 10-13 at Augusta National Golf Club. The procedure was described by Woods as a “minimally invasive” repair, performed by Dr. Charlton Stucken at the Hospital for Special Surgery in West Palm Beach, Florida. Following the operation, Woods reported he is currently recovering at his residence in South Florida.

Reactions from the Golf Community

In a recent statement, McIlroy remarked, “It sucks,” highlighting Woods’ unfortunate history with physical injuries. He reflected on Woods’ dedication to preparing for the Masters, saying, “He doesn’t have much luck when it comes to injuries and his body.” McIlroy voiced hope for Woods’ recovery while recognizing the difficulty of returning from such an injury.

Future Prospects for Tiger Woods

Looking ahead, McIlroy stated, “We obviously won’t see him play golf this year, and hopefully we [will] see him maybe play in 2026.” He expressed confidence in Woods’ determination to attempt another comeback, though he admitted that only Woods knows the specifics of his motivations and capabilities.

Woods has faced numerous health challenges in recent years, including recovery from microdecompression surgery for a nerve impingement in his lower back, marking his sixth surgery on that area in a decade. Additionally, he still deals with the aftermath of serious injuries sustained in a car accident in February 2021, which nearly resulted in the amputation of his right leg.

Recent Activities and Participation

Prior to his surgery, Woods had not been active on the PGA Tour since missing the cut at The Open in Scotland last July. Although he withdrew from the Genesis Invitational in February—the event he hosts—due to the passing of his mother, he did manage to participate in four TGL matches and a Pro-Member event earlier this month.

McIlroy noted Woods’ limited engagement with the sport, mentioning that Woods had only touched a golf club three times recently. “He was obviously trying to get closer by ramping up and training and practicing,” McIlroy indicated regarding Woods’ preparations.

Potential for PGA Tour Champions

As Woods approaches his 50th birthday on December 30, he becomes eligible for the PGA Tour Champions, the circuit designed for golfers aged 50 and older. Throughout his career, Woods has humorously entertained the idea of competing in this league alongside legends such as Fred Couples.

“I’ve got three more years, where I get the little buggy and be out there with Fred,” Woods joked at the 2023 Masters.