Tiger Woods out for rest of year after successful back surgery
Last Updated: 19/09/15 12:07pm
Tiger Woods will not play competitive golf again this year after having successful surgery on his back.
Woods went under the knife in Utah on Wednesday, having a second microdiscectomy - the first was done in March 2014.
The former world No 1 was due to play in the Frys.com Open, Bridgestone America's Golf Cup in Mexico City and the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas before the end of the year, but he will miss all of those engagements.
Woods has endured a poor season, with his best finish coming when 10th in the Wyndham Championship in August - that will turn out to be his last tournament of 2015.
"This is certainly disappointing, but I'm a fighter," said 14-time major champion Woods. "I've been told I can make a full recovery, and I have no doubt that I will.
"I'd like to send my regrets to Frys and all those associated with the America's Golf Cup.
"Those were two events I was really looking forward to playing. I was ready to start the 2015-16 PGA TOUR season at Frys, and I was excited to join my good friend Matt [Kuchar] in Mexico City.
"I will be attending my foundation-hosted Hero World Challenge but won't be able to play.
"I appreciate everything that Hero does for the Tiger Woods Foundation, and I have a great personal relationship with Mr. Munjal [vice chairman and CEO of Hero MotoCorp]. I look forward to being there to support my event.
"I appreciate the fans' concern and support. This is unfortunate, but these things happen. I've been injured before and played again. It won't be any different this time."
Neurosurgeon Dr Charles Rich, who performed a similar operation on Woods in March 2014, said: "With the upcoming off-season, the decision was made to remove a small disc fragment that was pinching his nerve.
"The microsurgery was a complete success and he was discharged Thursday night."
