Tiger Woods, post his April ankle surgery, participated in two golf tournaments – one involving only 36 holes in a cart and the other a full 72-hole event on a flat Bahamian golf course. Despite the small sample size, there’s cause for cautious optimism.
Observing Woods and considering his own statements suggest that the ankle surgery following the Masters has contributed positively to alleviating some of his walking problems, following multiple lower right leg injuries from a car crash in February 2021.
The weekly read by Bob Harig delves into Tiger Woods’s recent performances, acknowledging the limited data but expressing cautious optimism. Woods, recovering from ankle surgery, participated in two December golf tournaments, showcasing positive signs in his walking improvement.
Despite the small sample size, both the eye test and Woods’s own statements contribute to a hopeful outlook for 2024. Woods, who suffered leg injuries in a 2021 car crash, seems more confident after recent appearances, aiming to play approximately once a month in 2024. While acknowledging ongoing discomfort, especially post-ankle fusion, Woods is optimistic about reduced issues in that specific area.
The report also highlights Woods’s improved physical condition during recent events, particularly walking rounds without a golf cart. This contrasts with previous years, emphasizing his evolving recovery.
The piece concludes by noting that the recent PNC Championship was not a comeback event for Woods, unlike previous years, and provides context about the significance of the tournament in 2020, preceding his involvement in a car crash two months later.
In 2021, Tiger Woods made a surprising return to the PNC Championship, marking the first occasion spectators witnessed him hitting shots on a golf course post his crash.In 2022, after skipping the Hero World Challenge, Woods participated in the Genesis Invitational, making the cut and securing a 46th-place finish. He also made the cut at the Masters but withdrew during the delayed third round.
This year, Woods returned at the Hero, finishing 18th out of 20 players but displaying positive signs. At the PNC, he focused on refining his game and enjoying the camaraderie with his son, who plays a significant role in Woods’s comeback.
Expressing his love for practicing, Woods emphasized the special bond formed while practicing and playing games with his son at home. This familiar support might serve as motivation for Woods to continue working on his own game.The key question looming until his next appearance, likely at the Genesis Invitational in February, is how Woods, in his comeback, navigates the challenge of competing against younger players consistently practicing and playing.
Tiger Woods, acknowledging his inability to maintain a full schedule, faces challenges as he turns 48 on Dec. 30, compounded by leg injuries and past back surgeries. The question arises whether his leg condition can improve, considering the impact of walking or increased play on its recovery.
Woods recognizes that walking contributes to strengthening smaller muscles, likening it to beach workouts and similar activities. Despite potential obstacles like the unfamiliar Riviera Country Club course, where he hosts his own tournament, and the chilly Los Angeles mornings, the mere discussion of his return is a positive indicator.
The recent tournaments have provided a glimmer of optimism amid the uncertainties surrounding Woods’s future participation.
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