‘Don’t Think Tiger Woods Will Play Again’: Former PGA Tour Pro Confident of Achilles Surgery’s Harsh Outcome

Tiger Woods‘s relationship with Achilles injuries is age-old. And his relationship with injuries in general? Even older. Back in 1994, the 18-year-old needed surgery on his left knee to remove two benign tumors and scar tissue. Fast forward to 2008, and the World No. 1 faced his first Achilles tendon injury in his right leg while playing to return to golf after his previous ACL repair. Several major Achilles injuries followed after 2008 and he eventually hurt his left tendon in 2012. And, now, in the latest, the legend is getting surgery for his ruptured Achilles tendon in his left foot. But hey, what’s the catch?

The catch is that despite all these injuries, the golfer made it through the toughest courses on the greens to become the G.O.A.T. that he is. But with his latest injury and the Masters Tournament closer than ever, analysts are unsure if the golfer can make another statement. In the latest, former PGA Tour pro Paul Gow, sat down to discuss this particular issue.

Sitting down with the host of FOX Sports Australia, the former golfer had an interesting answer to the host’s point about Tiger Woods’s injury. Gow replied, “I think he’s primed for the TGL, isn’t he? He doesn’t have to walk anywhere,” he said. But what about Woods’s solid comebacks? “He defies everything that we think he’s going to achieve. He comes back every time, but there’s no need for him to come back at this stage.” Before you raise your forks on why Gow made that statement, here is his justification: “he has been the best of all time. And, uh, I don’t think he will play again.”

2012 happened and with another Achilles tendon injury, Woods slipped to 18th in the OWGR. Criticism followed. Fast forward to two years and Woods reclaimed his top spot despite facing back issues. In fact, despite a series of injuries such as a neck strain and strained oblique, Tiger Woods made his last Major win at the 2019 Masters. Add to that his 2008 U.S. Open win despite knee surgery. Undoubtedly, a master of comebacks!

On top of that, Woods’s 82 PGA trophies are the highest in history! Additionally, he is second only to Jack Nicklaus (18) when it comes to wins in majors at 15. That’s just one record. However, it is undeniable that the golfer doesn’t seem to do very well on the greens lately. Owing to his injuries, the golfer registered his last win back in 2019 with The ZOZO Championship. After that? Several missed cuts. But having made it this far, despite so many injuries as a golfer, is a win in itself. So, what does Tiger Woods think about it?

What’s keeping the G.O.A.T. Tiger Woods busy in the 2025 season?

Back in 2024, Tiger Woods sat down for an interview ahead of the Masters Tournament. Was his physical issues holding him back? “The body’s just — the things that just flare up. Again, the training that we have to do at home, it changes from day-to-day basis. Some days I just feel really good, and other days, not so much.” A sentiment that Gow seems to echo a year later. However, despite the rising disappointment, Woods feels a deep connection with the sport.

Having added his humble beginning in the sport, he added, “…it’s allowed me to see places that I don’t think that I would ever have gotten a chance to see, people that I’ve got a chance to meet all around the world. The generational connectivity with the sport, right?” He gave it back to the sport last year. Heading into the Masters 2024, Woods extended his number of consecutive cuts at the Masters to 24, leaving behind names like Gary Player and Fred Couples. How about this year?

He made his first appearance back in January for TGL, resulting in a stunning 1 million viewership record. He was rumored to return in the Genesis Invitational. However, after the unfortunate passing of his mother, the golfer didn’t return to the course for a while. Eventually, Woods returned to TGL action early this month. “This is the third time I’ve touched a club since my mom passed, so I haven’t really gotten into it,” he said, adding that his “heart is not into practicing right now.”

Additionally, being one of the important faces in the ongoing PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger talks, the golfer also announced a schedule change in February. This TWLEGION report attracted fans who believed that it had likely to do with the merger. So, will we see him at the Masters? While it is true that 2025 is his last exemption year, everything depends on the Woods now. On that note, we wish Tiger Woods well.

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