Medical experts warn the golf legend’s latest back surgery makes a December return unlikely

Tiger Woods (right) with his son Charlie

Tiger Woods (right) with his son CharlieLAPRESSE

For the last five years, Tiger Woods and his son Charlie Woods have turned the PNC Championship into one of golf’s most beloved family events.

Since 2020, the pair have competed side by side, blending fierce competition with lighthearted teamwork that has captivated fans. But as December approaches, that tradition is now in jeopardy following Tiger’s latest round of medical advice.

The 15-time major winner, who has undergone seven back surgeries, recently had a lumbar disc replacement in October 2025.

The procedure came just months after an Achilles tendon surgery in March. Though Woods has long been known for his resilience, doctors now caution that his body needs a prolonged recovery period before he can safely return to the course, even for a lighthearted event like the PNC.

Medical concerns threaten Tiger’s comeback

During an interview with EssentiallySports, Dr. Nitin Bhatia, chair of orthopedics at UCI Health at the University of California, Irvine, discussed the physical toll golf can take on athletes, especially those with a history of back problems.

While explaining how golf may have aggravated LeBron James‘ sciatica, Bhatia’s comments indirectly revealed why Woods is unlikely to compete in the upcoming family event.

“For the athletes that we take care of, when they’re back toward playing another sport and recover with or without surgery, we tell them that even if they feel 100%, that we don’t let them golf for another three months,” Bhatia explained. “My guess is once he gets back, he’ll hold back from golfing until the offseason. You don’t want to irritate that nerve again.”

The veteran doctor went on to describe how golf, unlike many other sports, places enormous strain on the lower back. “Golfing is very hard on the lower back and has very high torque. That is something that can certainly irritate nerves,” he added.

Given that Tiger only underwent surgery weeks ago, a three-month rest period would rule him out for the December event. It’s a sobering reality for a player whose entire swing is built on power, flexibility, and rhythm – all of which depend on a healthy spine.

Since their debut at the 2020 PNC Championship, Tiger and Charlie have become the tournament’s biggest attraction. Their chemistry and matching mannerisms have drawn huge crowds and TV ratings. Even though they haven’t claimed the title yet, their performances have come close.

At the 2024 edition, they finished second at 28-under par, just behind Bernhard Langer and his son, after posting impressive rounds of 13-under and 15-under.

For Tiger, those weekends have meant more than trophies. He has often said that playing with Charlie is the most rewarding experience of his golf career outside of the professional circuit. The event has also offered fans a rare glimpse of a softer side to one of sport’s most intense competitors.