PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Tiger Woods recently underwent a less invasive surgical procedure for a ruptured Achilles tendon, a setback that will prevent him from participating in the Masters this year. This development raises uncertainties about his ability to compete in other major golf tournaments throughout the remainder of the year.
Woods shared the news with his followers on social media, though he did not specify the anticipated duration of his recovery or provide additional details, apart from confirming the surgery went well. “As I began to ramp up my own training and practice at home, I felt a sharp pain in my left Achilles, which was deemed to be ruptured,” Woods explained.
Woods underwent a minimally invasive repair procedure, which typically involves smaller incisions and promises a quicker recovery time. However, most individuals undergoing such surgery require at least a month before they can bear weight on the affected foot. For example, Bernhard Langer, a two-time Masters champion, suffered an Achilles tendon tear last year that sidelined him for three months.
Dr. Charlton Stucken of the Hospital for Special Surgery, located in West Palm Beach, performed Woods’ surgery. He assured in Woods’ post, “The surgery went smoothly, and we expect a full recovery.”
Scheduled to take place from April 10-13, the Masters will miss the presence of Woods, who set a tournament record last year by making the cut for the 24th consecutive time. In 2024, Woods did not make the cut in the other three major tournaments, with the British Open in July marking his last competition against top players. Subsequently, he participated in the 36-hole PNC Championship in December alongside his son, and he has been active in his TGL indoor circuit. Recently, Woods partook in the 18-hole Seminole Pro-Member and golfed with former President Donald Trump a month ago.
Woods had initially entered the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines but withdrew, still processing the February 4 death of his mother, Kultida.
This latest Achilles injury is not new for Woods, who has previously grappled with issues in his left Achilles tendon, notably injuring it while taking a shot at the Masters with a difficult stance. He also withdrew from The Players Championship in 2011 due to the same tendon, which sidelined him for two months.
Additionally, Woods’ right leg and ankle sustained significant damage in a car accident in February 2021 outside Los Angeles. Adding to his medical history, Woods underwent his sixth back surgery last September.
