Tiger Woods announced on his website Friday that he underwent successful microdiscectomy surgery on his back earlier in the week and will be out of action indefinitely.
“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.”
Woods, who had been feeling discomfort in his back and hip area for several weeks, can begin rehab within one week and the hope is he can return to competition by early 2016.
“I appreciate the fans’ concern and support,” Woods added. “This is unfortunate, but these things happen. I’ve been injured before and played again. It won’t be any different this time.”
The surgery, which was performed late Wednesday in Park City, Utah by neurosurgeon Dr. Charles Rich, was the same procedure he underwent in March 2014.
“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,” said Dr. Rich, who also performed the first operation.
