Tiger Woods has recently revealed he suffers from a common injury among athletes, especially football, basketball, tennis and running. Indeed, the 49-year-old suffers from a ruptured Achilles heel injury which will undoubtedly have a major impact on his career in 2025.
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Tiger Woods' injury
It is likely he will not be able to play in the April Masters, and it remains to be seen how the injury will impact the rest of his PGA tour.
It is a tough setback for the golfer, who has not played professionally since the Open Championship in July 2024. In a statement, Tiger Woods explained:
As I began to ramp up my own training and practice at home, I felt a sharp pain in my left Achilles, which was deemed to be ruptured. The surgery went smoothly, and we expect a full recovery. I am back home now and plan to focus on my recovery and rehab, thank you for all the support.
He was expected to play at the Hero World Challenge in December 2024, but he had to pull out due to his getting back surgery two months prior.
Speculation on whether he will be forced to retire soon
This latest setback is not only painful for the 49-year-old golfer, but also for his fans. Indeed, it has also once again sparked speculation of Tiger Woods' possible retirement. The topic has already been going around since his last performance in July 2024, but the athlete quickly shut them down. Former world n°2 Colin Montgomerie suggested it might be time for the golfer to retire from playing in The Open. Tiger Woods immediately responded, saying he can play in The Open until he turns 60. He said:
Well, as a past champion, I'm exempt until I'm 60. Colin's not. He's not a past pioneer, so he's not exempt. So he doesn't get the opportunity to make that decision. I do.
Colin Montgomerie had already called for Tiger Woods' retirement the past year, during The Open 2023. He said:
Should he have retired last year at St. Andrew's? The opportunity was golden. The sun was shining. The Swilcan bridge was waiting for the wave. A lot of people thought it might happen then. It possibly should have done.
Read more:
Gary Lineker believes Frank Lampard could be a good replacement for Gareth Southgate if he retires
Lewis Hamilton addresses rumours about retirement in his latest interview
Sources used:
The Mirror US: Tiger Woods faces uncomfortable retirement decision after latest injury setback
Newsweek: Golf News: Tiger Woods Retaliates After Calls for Retirement - 'I'm Exempt'
