Ryan Lavner noticed what was missing from Tiger Woods’ statement as he announced surgery on his back

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There was something of a collective sigh from the golfing world when Tiger Woods announced over the weekend that he had undergone back surgery, with the 15-time major champion providing no timescale on his recovery.

Unfortunately, Tiger Woods was already on the sidelines after rupturing his Achilles. It was expected that Woods would miss the rest of 2025.

Obviously, December is an important month in the 49-year-old’s calendar, with the Hero World Challenge and the PNC Championship taking place. Woods also celebrates his 50th birthday at the end of the month.

Meanwhile, the second season of TGL begins before the turn of the year. Unfortunately, there is now doubt as to whether Woods will be involved in any of those events.

What was spotted about Tiger Woods’ latest injury statement

Woods’ body has dealt with so much punishment that his priority will be his quality of life. However, he has given so much to the game that it would be a real shame if he did not get an opportunity to go out on his own terms, ideally on the major championship stage.

It would be amazing to see Woods produce some moments of magic around Augusta National or The Old Course one final time.

However, perhaps he is a long way away from pencilling in a potential return to the game. Speaking on Golf Channel, Ryan Lavner noted what was missing from his latest statement.

“I think surprise has been replaced by sadness if we are being honest here. If you look at the statement Tiger Woods put out, he did not mention his golf,” he said.

“He mentioned making a good decision for his health and for his back. Not mentioning golf.

“He is about to turn 50, he has already now undergone seven back surgeries. The total number of surgeries has eclipsed a dozen. The concern long term for his back, that is fused. There is concern long term for his ankle, that’s fused.

“So there is a tinge of sadness here because sports careers rarely end pretty.

“I do think there is still so much that Tiger Woods can do. The Ryder Cup captaincy is lingering out there in 2027, he is a part of the leadership committee with the PGA Tour trying to get the competition model right under Brian Rolapp’s leadership.

“So golf-wise I think anything else might be a bonus but I think there is still a big seat at the table for him to make some pretty significant changes and really be a leader in that respect.”

The surgeries Tiger Woods has undergone since 2008

It is truly remarkable to see just how much Woods’ body has been through over the years. Most players would have surely retired after the string of back surgeries between 2014 and 2017.

But Woods not only returned, he won the Tour Championship in 2018, and The Masters the following year.

Perhaps it should have come as little surprise given that Woods won the US Open essentially on one leg in 2008. His mental resilience is arguably one of his biggest strengths – which says a lot.

Golf needs Tiger Woods to play a prominent role, whatever comes next for him. But Woods absolutely deserves the chance to remind everyone of his brilliance before he puts the clubs away for what may be the last time.