Tiger Woods friend shares concerning update on golf legend’s health after another surgery

Tiger Woods is yet to set a timeline for his return to golf after undergoing back surgery in October

Tiger Woods is contemplating two PGA Tour events that he often skips. (Image: 2025 Getty Images)

Tiger Woods is anticipated to make his comeback to golf next year following his absence throughout 2025, though a close confidant has worryingly disclosed that the legend continues to have difficulty walking.

Woods suffered a devastating setback in March when he ruptured his left Achilles tendon and required surgery, forcing him to withdraw from the Masters. The golf superstar has been concentrating on recovery and rehabilitation ever since, and went under the knife again in October for his seventh back operation.

The most recent procedure involved replacing a disc in his lower back that had been causing pain and mobility issues, though no timetable has been established for his comeback. Golf commentator and longtime friend Notah Begay III believes Woods is targeting two PGA Tour competitions in 2026, but has acknowledged that walking continues to be a major challenge.

Notah Begay III, former golfer and current analyst, is a close friend of Woods. (Image: 2016 Getty Images)

Woods hasn’t participated in competitive golf since the 2024 Open Championship, but reaches 50 next month, opening up a fresh tournament opportunity. Woods becomes eligible to participate in the PGA Tour Champions starting in 2026, though Begay anticipates he will attempt the Charles Schwab Challenge and the RBC Heritage next year.

During an appearance on the Straight Facts Homie podcast, Begay revealed, “I think the biggest problem, in the conversations that I’ve had with him, is the walking. That’s it.

“He hits it great, he’s in tremendous physical condition. His ball speeds are fast enough; they’re 175-180, which is adequate for the PGA Tour. It’s just can he walk 72 holes plus a pro-am? I don’t know, and that’s the big question. A major championship venue with flatter terrain. Hilton Head with flatter terrain, Colonial with flatter terrain might be targets. And those are venues that he’s never typically played at.

Rory McIlroy has previously named Tiger Woods as the greatest golfer he’s seen (Image: Megan Briggs/TGL/TGL via Getty Images)

“He’s played Colonial once and never went back. And I don’t think he’s ever been to Hilton Head. Those are two things that you may see at some point.”

It’s uncertain whether Woods will try to compete in a major tournament next year, particularly since the PGA Tour icon was keen to participate at Augusta National before suffering his Achilles injury.

Woods qualifies for all majors through the remainder of his career, but can also participate in the Champions Tour after he reaches 50 on Dec. 30.

The Champions Tour permits the use of a golf cart, which will dramatically improve his odds. “We’re also dying to see him on the Champions Tour. He can take a cart, and the walking becomes alleviated at that point,” Begay added.

Tiger Woods is eyeing up a PGA return in 2026 (Image: Getty)

“I think he’s going to try it. You can only sit in your house and think about golf and hit balls at the range for so long. You wanna go out and see if you can beat somebody.

“I do think he will try it, and I hope he likes it. The world of golf with Tiger is just so much better and so much more fun, even if we see glimpses from time to time.”

Woods, who is currently tied with Sam Snead at 82 PGA Tour wins, needs just one more victory to become the sole leader.

Despite Woods’ fitness struggles, Begay won’t dismiss the possibility of a miracle.

“I will not say he won’t win 83. I can’t. I’ve seen too many crazy things from him,” he concluded.