Golfing legend Tiger Woods has offered fans a significant update on his lengthy rehabilitation from back surgery, admitting he is taking "baby steps" but has been given the green light to swing some of his clubs again.
A Candid Recovery Update
The 15-time major champion spoke exclusively to ESPN's Scott Van Pelt ahead of Tuesday evening's TGL match between the Jupiter and New York teams. In a revealing interview, Woods disclosed the current limits and future challenges of his comeback journey.
Woods confirmed he has medical clearance to hit short and mid-irons, but has not yet progressed to longer clubs like drivers. "I've been cleared to hit, basically, hit short irons and mid irons," he stated. "I haven't gone any beyond that."
The Long Road Back to Competition
The golf icon was frank about the rust that will inevitably accompany such an extended period away from the sport. He anticipates a substantial gap between his return to practice and any potential competitive appearance.
"Whenever that time comes, when I start hitting drivers, and I start playing at home, and start doing all the different things, I will have been away from the game for a year and a half, so I'm gonna be pretty rusty," Woods explained.
A New, Patient Approach at 50
Woods emphasised that this recovery process differs markedly from his previous comebacks, requiring greater patience and a modified preparation regimen. He openly acknowledged the impact of his age on the healing process.
"My prep is gonna have to be a little bit different from my other procedures I've had in the past," he said. "I've had to stay a lot more patient with myself. I get sore faster, I guess, because I'm 50. And that happens."
During the same conversation, Woods also shared his perspective on the imminent return of a fellow major champion to the PGA Tour, though specific details of that discussion were not fully disclosed in the initial report.
