What is Next for Tiger Woods?
Approximately one week ago, the world caught the first glimpse of Tiger Woods swinging the club since his car crash in February when he posted a short video on social media. Woods has had an impressive career so far, with his 82 victories tying him for the most all-time, along with an impressive 15 championship title haul. During his lengthy career, he has had four back surgeries and several knee operations, but nothing has threatened the life and career of the golfer like his near-fatal car crash earlier this year. As Woods makes a reappearance on the golf course, it has raised questions about what to expect in the next chapter of the career of this all-time-great sportsman.
Tiger Woods’ accident and serious injuries
On 23rd February, Tiger Woods suffered severe injuries to his lower right leg after a severe car crash. The 45-year-old endured multiple fractures after his car skid off the road at high speed, causing it to roll over several times. Woods was rescued from the wreckage by emergency services and hastily transported to the Harbor UCLA Medical Center for surgery. The unfortunate incident ruled the accomplished golfer out for the year, and the public has only recently spotted him on the turf for the first time in 9 months.
Is he going to play again?
While speaking at his press conference on Tuesday, 30th November, Tiger Woods discussed his future following the severe injuries sustained in February. The professional golf star confirmed that he would be hosting the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas but disclosed that he doesn’t know when to play again. The 15-time major champion admitted that getting back to the pinnacle of professional golfing is not a realistic expectation. Instead, he will participate in a few choice events per year.
When can we expect Woods to play again? As the professional golfer approaches the age of 46, it has become more challenging to recover from injuries, how much more one that threatened to end his life. While Woods is moving and hitting a few shots, he believes that he is far from competing at a high level like he once did. He isn’t convinced that he can go and compete against the world’s best players under challenging conditions. If, however, something can motivate him to step onto the turf as soon as possible, it is St Andrews.
As the 150th edition of the tournament approaches, the professional golfer has admitted that he would love to play at the Old Course, where he won tournaments in 2000 and 2005. One hundred sixty-two years after the first edition, the 150th Open will run from the 10th to 17th July 2022. Despite worries that he might defect to a breakaway tour, Woods demonstrated his love for the PGA Tour and St Andrews, calling the latter his “favorite golf course in the world.”
Conclusion
Tiger Woods last played competitively in December at the PNC Championship with his son. While the three-second video on social media of him swinging the club indicates progress, everyone has to wait a while longer before this golf legend is ready to take another professional swing.