Tiger Woods Injury: Updates on Golf Star's Recovery from Back Surgery

Tiger Woods has been dealing with back and hip injuries, and the golf superstar announced Friday that he underwent microdiscectomy surgery on his back for the second time in two years.

Woods' agent Mark Steinberg said an issue where he had surgery last year was discovered during a routine check-up on his back, per Bob Harig of ESPN. Steinberg also said the turnaround time between the check-up and surgery was "quick," according to Harig. 

Continue for updates.

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Woods Hopeful to Return in Early 2016

Friday, Sept. 18

Neurosurgeon Dr. Charles Rich said the following, as transcribed by Woods' official website: "Tiger Woods underwent a microdiscectomy late on Sept. 16 at Park City Medical Center. 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."

"This is certainly disappointing, but I'm a fighter," Woods said. "I've been told I can make a full recovery, and I have no doubt that I will."

This is another unfortunate health setback for Woods. One has to wonder whether golf's biggest draw will ever stay fit enough to return to form as one of the world's best players on a regular basis.

An extensive line of injuries has left the 39-year-old legend striving for any sort of success. A tie for 17th at the Masters suggested Woods was on his way back to the top—until he tied for 69th at The Players Championship in his next start and had a career-worst 72-hole score at the Memorial.

Even in those two bad finishes, at least Woods made it to the weekend, which wasn't the case when he missed the cut at both the U.S. Open and The Open Championship.

"I appreciate the fans' concern and support," Woods said, according to his website. "This is unfortunate, but these things happen. I've been injured before and played again. It won't be any different this time."

Woods has shown flashes of brilliance at times, but his physical, aggressive style of swinging has taken a toll on his body. The hope is that he eventually returns to peak physical form, because the game of golf is better off when he is playing to his full ability.