Planet Golf — 13 September 2015 by GW staff and news services
Tiger undergoes second back surgery

Tiger Woods announced Friday he has undergone a second microdiscectomy surgery on his back, which will keep him out of competition indefinitely. He’s hoping to return in early 2016.

Woods, via a story posted on his website, said the surgery was performed late Wednesday in Park City, Utah, by neurosurgeon Dr. Charles Rich, who performed the same surgery on Woods on March 31, 2014.

Wednesday’s procedure and subsequent recovery time will prevent Woods from playing in the Frys.com Open, the PGA Tour’s 2015-16 season-opening event in October. He’ll also miss the Bridgestone America’s Golf Cup presented by Value in Mexico City (where he was scheduled to team with Matt Kuchar) and his own Hero World Challenge at Albany in the Bahamas.

“This is certainly disappointing, but I’m a fighter,” Woods said. “I’ve been told I can make a full recovery, and I have no doubt that I will.”

Rich said that with Tiger’s upcoming offseason, “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.”

On his website, Tiger said he would “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 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.”

According to the story, Tiger felt some occasional discomfort in the back and hip area the last several weeks, including at the Wyndham Championship where he finished tied for 10th, his best performance of the season.

An examination showed that the random discomfort was coming from his back, and Woods elected to have surgery now in order to return to the Tour as soon as possible. 
 
He will begin intensive rehabilitation and soft tissue treatment within a week.

“I appreciate the fans’ concern and support,” Tiger said. “This is unfortunate, but these things happen. I’ve been injured before and played again. It won’t be any different this time.”

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