Tiger Woods Injury: Twitter Reacts as Golfer Undergoes 2nd Back Surgery

For the second time in two years, Tiger Woods has undergone surgery to repair damage in his back.

According to Woods' official website, he had the same microdiscectomy procedure that was done in 2014, performed by the same surgeon, Dr. Charles Rich, who provided details about the operation. 

"Tiger Woods underwent a microdiscectomy late on Sept. 16 at Park City Medical Center," Dr. Rich said. "With the upcoming offseason, 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."

Woods was scheduled to play in the Frys.com Open and Bridgestone America's Golf Cup in October but told his site that those plans have changed. 

"I'd like to send my regrets to Frys and all those associated with the America's Golf Cup," Woods said. "Those were two events I was really looking forward to playing. I was ready to start the 2015-16 PGA Tour season at Frys, and I was excited to join my good friend Matt [Kuchar] in Mexico City."

The 39-year-old also added that he was told he "can make a full recovery" from this second back procedure.

Given the health problems Woods has faced over the past two years, missing three months after his back procedure last year and two months because of lingering back problems this year, he needs to take as much time as possible to prepare for next season.

The sports world was offering its condolences to Woods on Twitter, with Zach Johnson wishing his friend well:

Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News stated what this likely means for Woods' future and ongoing quest to make history:

There does come a point, which may have already passed, when the idea of Woods catching Jack Nicklaus becomes a pipe dream. Woods hasn't won a major since 2008, which seems like a lifetime ago.

Ignoring even the major wins, Justin Ray of the Golf Channel noted how long it's been since Woods has won any PGA Tour event:

Golf has gotten only better, with players like Jason Day, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy picking up where Woods left off all those years ago.

Fellow PGA Tour star Billy Horschel was kind enough to offer his assistance with Woods' rehab:

Nubyjas Wilborn of the Know the Score podcast thinks that Woods' career has fallen apart:

"

Tiger Woods' body has been failing him since 08, this surgery is literally the straw... You know the rest.

— Nubyjas Wilborn (@nwilborn19) September 18, 2015"

Woods will always be a topic of discussion whenever he steps foot on a golf course. It's one consequence of being as great and as dominant as he was for so many years, but there's no way he can escape Father Time. 

Given all the problems Woods' body has faced, starting with a torn ACL at the 2008 U.S. Open, fans should temper their expectations. He played in 12 events this season, making seven cuts. 

The dream for every athlete is to go out on a high note, but more often than not, star athletes end up fading away.

Woods may have greatness left in him. But it would be wrong to expect it from a soon-to-be 40-year-old, especially given his latest injury setback.