Woods "Back Surgery and a Traffic Accident"... What About His Playing Career?

Fifth Back Surgery Last Month, Severe Multiple Fractures in Car Rollover Accident on 24th in LA County, PGA Tour 'Stop'

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "Back surgery and now a car accident."

The comeback of the 'resurrected golf emperor' Tiger Woods (USA, photo) to the PGA Tour remains uncertain. On the 24th (Korean time), he was also struck by the misfortune of a traffic accident. American media outlets including AP reported, "In Los Angeles (LA) County, California, USA, the vehicle was severely damaged in a rollover accident, and Woods was pulled out of the wrecked vehicle using cutting equipment," adding, "Woods was the sole occupant, and there was no collision with another vehicle."

Local broadcasters aired footage taken by a helicopter over the accident scene showing the heavily damaged vehicle. The airbags inside the vehicle deployed, and debris from the accident was scattered on the hillside beside the road. Woods' manager, Mark Steinberg, explained, "Woods was injured in multiple places on his leg due to the car accident," and added, "He is currently undergoing surgery." Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Woods' ex-girlfriend, ski star Lindsey Vonn (USA), wished him a speedy recovery.

In 2009, Woods underwent rehabilitation after a car accident where he crashed an SUV into a tree. At that time, he was unable to participate in tournaments for five months. In 2017, he was found asleep in a parked car and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Although he narrowly avoided imprisonment, the Palm Beach County Court in Florida sentenced him to one year of probation, completion of a DUI program, and a fine of $250 (approximately 278,000 KRW).

Woods' pursuit of the all-time PGA Tour record for most wins (83 wins) is expected to be further delayed. After participating in a father-son competition with his son Charlie last December, he recently underwent his fifth back surgery. Woods, who said, "The progress is good but it feels a bit stiff," stated, "I do not have a concrete plan to return to the field yet," and added, "I will focus on consulting with medical staff to determine an appropriate direction for returning to the field." It is now difficult for him to participate in the upcoming Masters in April or to compete for an extended period.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.