Ernie Els sends message to Tiger Woods on Instagram after he undergoes further back surgery

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Tiger Woods will remain out of action for quite some time after undergoing a seventh surgery on his back.

The surgery was a success, but it remains to be seen when Woods can return to playing golf after his latest setback.

He underwent more surgery earlier this year after rupturing his Achilles tendon, with his issues keeping him away from the PGA Tour in 2025.

Woods was able to take part in the inaugural TGL at the start of the year, but his last PGA Tour appearance arrived at The Open Championship in 2024.

That represented one of five appearances from the 15-time major champion, who played in The Genesis Invitational and the four major championships.

Ernie Els messages Tiger Woods after he undergoes further back surgery

Phil Mickelson has wished Woods a speedy recovery, with their fellow legend Ernie Els now issuing a similar message.

The South African wrote on Instagram: “Get better soon Big Cat – all the very best to you and your family.”

The duo played out a fantastic rivalry for many years on the PGA Tour, which was reignited at the 2019 Presidents Cup.

Woods played and captained the USA at Royal Melbourne Golf Club that year, defeating Els’ International team 16-14.

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Tiger Woods vs Ernie Els PGA Tour stats

Like Woods, Els enjoyed a stunning career in his prime, having won four major championships over the years.

And it could have been more if not for the presence of Woods, who Els finished as runner-up to at the US Open and The Open Championship in 2000.

That said, they represented two of Woods’ most dominant victories, with the former won by 15 shots and the latter won by eight shots.

But unlike Woods, the veteran is currently playing on the PGA Tour Champions, where the 55-year-old boasts seven wins.

They follow on from his 19 wins on the PGA Tour from his 485 starts, compared to tallies of 82 and 378 respectively for Woods.

And despite being rivals once upon a time, Els is unsurprisingly eager to see Woods get back to full health, and hopefully return to the course sooner rather than later.