Tiger Woods Talks 'Painful' Injury Rehab, Timeline for Return to Golf After Car Crash

AP Photo/Ryan Kang, File

Tiger Woods might be used to recovering from injuries, but his rehab after a single-car crash in February has been a tougher challenge for the golf superstar.

"This has been an entirely different animal," Woods told Daniel Rapoport of Golf Digest. "I understand more of the rehab processes because of my past injuries, but this was more painful than anything I have ever experienced."

The car crash in Southern California resulted in open fractures to both Woods' tibia and fibula bones in his right leg, requiring immediate surgery on his lower leg and ankle. A rod, screws and pins were inserted to stabilize the bones in Woods' leg and ankle.

Woods declined to comment on when he could return to golf, indicating it could be a long road to recovery.

"My physical therapy has been keeping me busy," he said. "I do my routines every day and am focused on my No. 1 goal right now: walking on my own. Taking it one step at a time."

Woods has provided limited updates on his recovery but posted a picture of himself standing on crutches in April.

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The 45-year-old has already spent time rehabbing from five back surgeries and five knee surgeries over the course of his career. He will look to overcome this latest setback as well, but it's currently unknown if he will be able to regain full strength or mobility in his leg, per Rapoport.

Even if he doesn't return to playing any time soon, Woods can still be involved in the sport. United States Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker said the 15-time major champion will be available to help the team "in some shape or form."