Tiger Woods undergoes back surgery for the fourth time
American golfer Tiger Woods announced today that he has undergone back surgery for the fourth time, which will keep him out of competition for a long period of time.
"The surgery went well and I am optimistic, so I hope this alleviates my back pain," said the 41-year-old player in a statement.
"When I am healthy again, I hope to return to my normal life, playing with my kids, competing professionally in golf, and living without the pain that I have been fighting for so long," he added.
The former world number one did not provide details about when he will be able to return to the circuit, but everything indicates that it will be a long absence.
A 14-time major champion - the last one in 2008 - Woods has not played a tournament since early February in Dubai, where he withdrew after the first round due to his ongoing back pain.
The problems in that area of his body led the 79-time tournament champion to undergo three surgeries in the past. The American did not compete between August 2015 and December 2016.