LOS ANGELES – Superstar golfer Tiger Woods announced on his
website on Thursday that he has undergone a fourth back surgery to alleviate
pain, one that likely sidelines him until October.
“The surgery went well, and I’m optimistic this will relieve
my back spasms and pain,” said Woods, who hasn’t played competitive golf since
pulling out of the Dubai Desert Classic on February 3 with back spasms.
Typical recovery time after his latest procedure is about
six months, the article on Woods’ website said.
That timeline would mean missing the remainder of this PGA
Tour season and the Presidents Cup matches.
Woods first had back surgery shortly before the 2014 Masters
and had two more procedures after the 2015 PGA season, following which he was
sidelined for more than a year.
“When healed, I look forward to getting back to a normal
life, playing with my kids, competing in professional golf and living without
the pain I have been battling so long,” Woods said on his website.
The announcement comes two days after Woods said his back
was “progressing” as he briefly answered questions at a function in Missouri to announce a
golf course being designed by his TGR Design.
The 14-time major champion hit two golf shots in front of an
appreciative crowd -- the first finding the water.
Now, according to his website, Woods “will rest for several
weeks, then begin therapy and treatment.
“While each procedure and case is unique, patients typically
return to full activity in about six months.”
The procedure performed was a minimally invasive Anterior
Lumbar Interbody Fusion, aimed at relieving pressure on the nerve that was
leading to sciatica and severe back and leg pain.
“Conservative therapy, which included rehabilitation,
medications, limiting activities and injections, failed as a permanent solution
and Woods opted to have surgery,” the website said.
Woods returned to the PGA Tour in January after a 17-month absence following back surgery. He missed the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open and shot an opening-round 77 a week later in Dubai before withdrawing.