Tiger Woods is still trying to recover from back surgeries in September and October 2015, but don’t expect to see him on the golf course anytime soon.
According to a report from PGA reporter Robert Lusetich, Woods’ health has worsened to the point where it’s painful for him to sit, and the former No. 1 golfer in the world must be fully reclined when in a car.
I'm told #TigerWoods condition worsened. He can't move well; painful to sit. Sits in car with seat fully reclined. No forseeable return. Sad
— Robert Lusetich (@RobertLusetich) February 22, 2016
Perhaps this is the knockout blow to Woods’ relevance as a professional golfer, and his back would be to blame.
Prior to that September surgery, he withdrew from the Farmers Insurance Open in February 2015 just 11 holes into the opening round because of discomfort.
Woods tweaked his lower back during the final round of the 2014 WGC-Bridgestone and backed out after eight holes. Surgery to relieve a pinched never cause Woods to miss The Masters earlier that year.
In 2013, he dropped to his knees at The Barclays after experiencing back spasms.
Woods, who hasn’t hoisted a Major trophy since 2008, has only played in 18 events and failed to record a tournament win during the last two years. He missed a career-high four cuts in 2015, finishing in the Top 10 once over an 11-event slate.
Between the recurring, nagging back injury and age, returning to his previous form seems impossible. The 40-year-old Woods has a longer road to recovery than initially hoped.
At this point, it feels like the conversation should turn toward hoping Woods can recover enough to live a reasonably comfortable life — no matter if he’s able to launch another drive or sink another putt.