Woods Undergoes Ankle Surgery... 'Uncertain Return This Year'

The "Golf Emperor" Tiger Woods (USA) has been sidelined by an injury.

On the 19th (local time), Woods revealed on his social media that he "underwent surgery in New York to treat post-traumatic arthritis and other issues caused by an ankle fracture." The ankle surgery was performed at the HSS Sports Medicine Institute in New York. Woods explained, "The surgery was successful," and added, "I am currently recovering and will begin rehabilitation soon."

Tiger Woods is playing on the green of the 15th hole during the second round of the Masters. [Augusta, USA - Photo by Reuters and Yonhap News]

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Local media analyzed that the problem occurred in the ankle area of his right leg, which was injured in a 2021 traffic accident. Golfweek reported, "One of the bones forming the ankle was broken, and he underwent surgery to fix it, along with treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis."

It is expected that Woods will be difficult to see for a while. After surgery, he must wear a boot or cast for 8 to 12 weeks. Woods, who participated in the Masters in April, had planned to compete only in the remaining major tournaments: the PGA Championship in May, the US Open in June, and The Open in July. Considering the rehabilitation and training schedule, his participation has become unlikely.

In February 2021, Woods faced a major setback when he suffered broken legs in a car rollover accident. Screws and rods were inserted to stabilize his right foot and ankle bones. Defying the negative expectations that "walking is now difficult," Woods made a dramatic comeback by advancing to the main tournament through the Masters last year. In February, Woods participated in the Genesis Invitational, which he hosts, and in April, he competed in the Masters, passing the qualifiers. However, he withdrew after completing the 7th hole of the 3rd round due to plantar fasciitis.

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