Tiger Woods hasn’t played a competitive round of golf since missing the cut at the 2024 Open Championship.
Royal Troon showed its teeth during the final major of the year, and Woods, who wasn’t tournament-sharp, massively struggled as a result.
Since the event on Scotland’s west coast, Woods has undergone another back surgery after being impacted by spasms throughout 2024.
| Tiger Woods’ surgeries since 2008 | |
| 2008 | Left knee |
| 2008 | ACL |
| 2014 | Back |
| 2015 | Back |
| 2015 | Back |
| 2017 | Back |
| 2019 | Knee |
| 2020 | Back |
| 2021 | Legs |
| 2023 | Ankle |
| 2024 | Back |
| 2025 | Achilles |
| 2025 | Back |
The 48-year-old targeted a return at the Hero World Challenge but withdrew two weeks before. “I am still not there. These are 20 of the best players in the world. I’m not tournament-sharp… I’m not sharp enough to compete at this level.” Woods said. “I need to keep training to give myself the best chance at competing next year.”
Woods will play the PNC Championship alongside his son Charlie, however. The family-orientated event allows carts to be used, which massively reduces strain on the 15-time major winner’s body.
Furthermore, Woods is set to feature in the TGL, with his first match taking place in the second week of January.
Golf react as footage of Tiger Woods’ swing emerges from TGL

Woods is the latest to venture to the innovative SoFi Arena in Palm Beach, and footage has emerged of a 48-year-old hitting his driver into the giant indoor simulator.
And it’s fair to say golf fans like what they see.
“The GOAT getting dialled in,” one fan wrote. “Swing looks good,” another said.
This fan added, “I actually think Tiger will dominate this @TGL.”
“Swing looks good. That’s the hardest I’ve seen him go at one in years,” said another fan.
While another wrote: “Swing looks so much more fluid.”
- READ MORE: Tiger Woods responds to Scottie Scheffler comparisons and reveals exactly why they are so similar
TGL could be the perfect return to professional golf for Tiger Woods
In recent years, completing 72 holes has been a challenge for Woods. Simply making it around the course has proven arduous.
Whenever his swing looks somewhat near its best, he’s often let down by his body.
The TGL, however, provides Woods with a chance to compete against the world’s best players without pushing his back and legs to the limit on the course.
Fans are also right to feel optimistic about the latest footage to emerge. Woods’ swing looks far more free-flowing, and he’s certainly not holding back at the SoFi Arena. Hopefully, it’s only a matter of time before he’s back in action in a handful of PGA Tour events.
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