PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Following a less invasive surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon performed on Tuesday, Tiger Woods will be unable to compete in the Masters Tournament, and his participation in other major championships this year is uncertain.
Woods announced the surgery but did not specify the expected recovery duration or provide further details, only stating that the procedure was successful.
“As I increased my training and practice regimen at home, I experienced a sudden, sharp pain in my left Achilles, which was diagnosed as a rupture,” Woods explained.
He mentioned undergoing a minimally invasive repair of the ruptured Achilles tendon, a procedure the doctor reported as successful. These types of surgeries involve smaller incisions and typically result in a faster recovery period. However, most individuals require at least a month before being able to put weight on the affected foot.
Bernhard Langer, a two-time Masters champion, suffered an Achilles tendon tear last year, sidelining him for three months.
Dr. Charlton Stucken from the Hospital for Special Surgery in West Palm Beach, who performed the surgery, commented in the post, “The operation was successful, and we anticipate a complete recovery.”
The Masters is scheduled for April 10-13.
Last year, Woods set a tournament record by making his 24th consecutive cut. He did not make the cut in the other three majors in 2024. His last appearance in a high-level competition was at the British Open in July. He participated in the 36-hole PNC Championship with his son in December. Woods has also been involved in his TGL indoor circuit, the 18-hole Seminole Pro-Member last week, and a golf outing with President Donald Trump a month prior.
Woods initially entered the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines but withdrew due to his ongoing grief over the death of his mother, Kultida, on Feb. 4.
Woods underwent his sixth back surgery last September. He has had previous issues with his Achilles tendon, including an injury to his left Achilles from an awkward stance during a shot at the Masters. He also cited his left Achilles tendon when withdrawing from The Players Championship in 2011, which kept him off the course for two months.
Woods sustained severe damage to his right leg and ankle in a car accident outside of Los Angeles in February 2021.