November 30, (THEWILL) – Tiger Woods spoke publicly for the first time since his February automobile accident on Tuesday, covering a wide range of themes related to his recovery and future.
Woods, who will host the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas beginning on Thursday, told reporters that his recuperation “has been much more difficult” than in the past when he had leg surgery.
“The knee stuff, that’s one level,” the iconic golfer explained. “With the leg, it’s hard to explain how difficult this has been. … It’s been a lot of hard work. … There were some tough times in there.”
Woods stated that his children were more familiar with him being hurt than with him playing golf:
“My kids have seen me more injured than healthy. Played call of duty when they were at school. Masters was an important binding moment for all of us. Do activities with them now, talk to them and see them grow up.”
The 15-time major winner was forthright about how close he came to losing his limb, or worse, as a result of the accident.
“I’m lucky to be alive and to still have the limb,” Woods said. “I’m very grateful that someone upstairs was taking care of me … (Amputation) was on the table.”
Woods also stated that he has not decided whether or not he will return to the PGA Tour at some time, noting that his recovery is still ongoing.
As THEWILL reported, on February 23, Woods was engaged in a single-car accident in California.
Woods “likely survived the single-car crash because the interior of the SUV remained intact.” an official told CNBC’s Dan Mangan.
Dr. Anish Mahajan, chief medical officer and interim CEO at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, said in a statement released through Woods’ official social media on February 24 that the 45-year-old “suffered significant orthopaedic injuries,” including compound fractures to his fibula and tibia in his right leg, which had to be stabilised by inserting a rod into the tibia.
THEWILL recalls that Woods shared a video of himself hitting golf balls on a fairway on Twitter last week.
Woods addressed where things stand with his game now that he has been able to go back on the course in some way during his news conference on Tuesday.
“To see some of my shots fall out of the sky a lot shorter than they used to is a little eye opening, but at least I’m able to do it again. That’s something that for a while there didn’t look like I was going to. I’m able to participate in the sport of golf, now, to what level? I do not know. The clock’s ticking, I’m not getting any younger.”
Woods last competed in a PGA Tour event in November 2020 at the Masters. With a one-under par score, he tied for 38th place.
His most recent triumph came at the 2019 Masters, giving him a total of 15 major championships in his career. Only Jack Nicklaus has won more major events (18) in his career than Woods.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
