Tiger Woods catches a ball on the practice area during the third round of the 2023 Masters tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, April 8, 2023. /CFP
The recent social media sensation caused by a video showcasing a middle-aged man walking without a limp while caddying for a teenager at a Junior Golf National Championship in Louisiana, U.S., has captured the attention of countless people. What makes this seemingly ordinary act so extraordinary? Well, the man in question happens to be none other than Tiger Woods, arguably golf's greatest ever legend, and the teenager is his son Charlie.
The video provided a rare glimpse of Woods in a golfing environment, sparking a surge of hope among his devoted fan base. There is a collective sense of anticipation that, in the not-too-distant future, the 15-time major winner will once again grace the golfing world with his presence and make a triumphant return to competitive play.
Tiger Woods lines up a putt on the 16th hole during the weather delayed second round of the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, April 8, 2023. /CFP
Woods endured significant leg injuries in a car crash three years ago, which kept him out of action until the Masters tournament in 2022. His return to action saw him finish 47th in that event.
However, Woods encountered further challenges on his comeback journey. He had to quit the PGA Championship, opted to miss out on the U.S. Open, and failed to make the cut at the British Open. His struggle continued as he withdrew during the third round of this year's Masters due to plantar fasciitis, a condition affecting the foot. As a result, he underwent ankle surgery in late April.
Nevertheless, the viral video indicates positive progress in his recovery from the surgery, bringing hope to his supporters. As the record holder for the most PGA Tour victories at 82, there is great anticipation for Woods' eventual return to full form.
A spectator looks at a poster for the British Open 2024, featuring a picture of Tiger Woods, as he walks at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, England, July 18, 2023. /CFP
While Woods has not provided any specific details regarding a potential comeback timeline, he did confirm on Tuesday that he is no longer experiencing pain in his right ankle, but the overall condition of his leg is still a work in progress.
"My ankle is fine. Where they fused my ankle, I have absolutely zero issue whatsoever," he told reporters. "That pain is completely gone. It's the other areas that have been compensated for... all the surrounding areas is where I had all my problems and I still do. So you fix one, others have to become more hypermobile to get around it, and it can lead to some issues."
If Woods is not yet prepared to participate in the upcoming Hero World Challenge, which boasts a star-studded lineup of 20 players and is scheduled to commence on November 30, there is a likelihood that he may consider competing in the PNC Challenge. Taking place on December 14, this tournament offers a distinct possibility for Woods to make his comeback in a more suitable time frame, should he feel ready to do so.