Legendary golfer Tiger Woods has undergone his seventh back surgery, this time a lumbar disc replacement at the L4/5 level, to address a collapsed disc, fragments, and a compromised spinal canal. This latest procedure comes after a ruptured Achilles tendon earlier in 2025, marking another major setback in a career already challenged by severe injuries and multiple surgeries.

Woods publicly described the disc replacement surgery as the “right decision” for his health and back mobility, noting he already feels good about choosing the procedure. The surgery was performed at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York by Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi. There is no schedule yet for his return to competitive play; he hasn’t played on the PGA Tour since summer of 2024 and missed the 2025 majors entirely.

While the news offers hope for Woods’ long-term health, it raises significant doubts about his ability to compete at the highest level again. At age 49 (soon turning 50), and with a record of 15 major championships, Woods faces an uphill battle to regain elite form. Experts note the combination of age, accumulated injuries, and surgery frequency may limit his competitive window.

In facing these latest challenges, Woods has affirmed commitment to his team (Jupiter Links) and indicated he will attend every match during the team’s upcoming TGL season, even if his playing days are uncertain. His surgery and recovery mark another turning point—one that will test not just his physical resilience, but whether his legacy can continue beyond the swings and wins of his peak.