Tiger Woods underwent another surgery this Wednesday to have surgery for plantar fasciitis in his right leg that forced him to withdraw from last Augusta Masters. The 47-year-old, 15-major champion exited the first major of the season after being suspended due to rain on part of the third day of the tournament when he completed seven holes and was last overall among golfers to go past the Cut, at nine over par. Tiger’s statement this Wednesday doesn’t indicate a recovery time, but it seems difficult that he can return in time to compete at the next Grand Slam event, the PGA Championship, which is scheduled to take place from March 18-18 May 21, and challenges its competition in the other two sizes of the course, the US Open and the British Open.
At Augusta, Tiger appeared aware that he was unable to compete at the top level due to the consequences he suffered, having nearly lost his right leg in a road accident in February 2021. At the Masters, a video showing an apparent limp set off alarm bells a few hours before he announced his retirement.
“I just appreciate the fact that I can play. And being in Augusta is such a special place in my heart. I’ve spent a large part of my life here,” said Tiger, who can be inducted into the veteran circle in three years. “I don’t play as many tournaments or train as much as I used to. What I can do is very limited. But now the joy is different. I was able to spend more time with my son and create our own memories. And share with him some things that I experienced with my father. The truth is I’m very lucky to have this leg, it’s mine. Yes, it has been altered and there are some irons in it, but I still own it. It’s hard and always will be, I’ll never be the same. I understand”.
Tiger only played three tournaments last year after an empty 2021. In 2022 he finished 47th at the Masters, retired from the PGA Championship and missed the cut at the British Open. This course had only attended before the Masters in the Genesis (45th). His future is again in the stars.
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