Tiger Woods sparks fears as he makes candid confession about golf future after withdrawing from Hero World Challenge

Tiger Woods again raised concerns among golf fans last week when he opted not to play in the Hero World Challenge.

The golf legend, who has not played since leaving the Royal Troon Open Championship and subsequently underwent microdecompression surgery in September due to nerve impact to his lower back, was ‘disappointed’ when he announced he would no longer be able to compete.

Tournament host Woods was not in the first field of players last month but was widely expected to take one of three exemption spots for the competition, an unofficial event featuring 20 of the world’s best players.

After raising concerns about his health, which has plagued his playing career for years, Woods was on hand in the Bahamas to provide an update on his future.

‘I don’t. I really don’t,” the 15-time Major winner admitted when asked if he had a goal of returning to the course.

“I’m just trying to test it gradually, keep making progress without messing it up. I don’t want to have any setbacks, just keep making progress and give myself the best possible chance going into next year.

The golfing legend has not played since missing the cut at the Open Championship in July

“I feel like I’m getting stronger and more flexible, but I still have a long way to go before I can compete against these guys.”

“I’m not tournament sharp yet,” he added. ‘I’m still not there. These are 20 of the best players in the world and I’m not sharp enough to compete against them at this level. So if I’m ready to compete and play at this level, then I will.”

Woods admitted that his back gave out earlier this year and continued to get worse as time went on.

“I didn’t think my back would be like this this year,” Woods said. ‘It was quite painful all year round so I had another procedure done to relieve the pain in my leg.

“So whether my commitment going forward is once a month, yes, I could say that again, but I really don’t know. I’m just trying to rehab and still get stronger and better and feel better, really give myself the best chance I can get next year.”

Woods played five tournaments in 2024, finishing 60th in the Masters and missing the cut in the other three majors, after pledging to play one event a month at the Hero World Challenge last year.

He opened his 2024 campaign in mid-February at the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club, where he was forced to withdraw just six holes in the second round due to illness.

But the 2025 tournament, to be held in the same week, could be in doubt for Woods after his latest update, suggesting a return to Augusta National could be a more likely option.

It remains to be seen if the 48-year-old will play the PNC Championship with son Charlie

However, he did not rule out the possibility of continuing the tradition of playing in the PNC Championship with son Charlie in two weeks. Woods is allowed to use a golf cart during the charity event for better ballplay between parents and children.

Despite being kept away from the fairways, Woods’ competitiveness has not dampened.

“The fire is still burning to compete,” Woods said, [but] ‘The difference is that the recovery of the body is no longer what it was.

‘The body just doesn’t recover like it used to, that’s part of age, part of the journey of an athlete.’

Fans are guaranteed a glimpse of the icon in the new year when TGL – his venture with Rory McIlroy – finally launches.

Woods told Sports Illustrated’s Bob Harig that he would be good to go for the league’s debut in January, but admitted that if the league started now it would be “tough” to play.

Woods will kick off the inaugural season of the technology-infused competition on January 14 with his team, Jupiter Links Golf Club, which in addition to the captain includes Max Homa, Tom Kim and Kevin Kisner.