Tiger Woods was a notable absentee at Pebble Beach this week, one of his favourite courses on the calendar, having undergone another back surgery last month.
Woods, 48, is currently out of action after having micro decompression on his spine to relieve pain. There was hope that he would try and return to play in California for a charity event, but had to step aside while Max Homa and Gary Woodland filled in.
The PGA Tour stars ran a clinic for guests while Woods is currently unable to hit a golf ball, proving that his return to the professional game may sadly be a long way away.
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Some of the greatest golf ever played was by Woods at Pebble Peach. Few can forget his 2000 US Open victory, a tour de force that saw the iconic golfer win by a stunning 15 shots.
His margin of victory broke the record for a major that was set in 1862, with Miguel Angel Jiminez and Ernie Els tied for second at three over. Each time Woods returns to the Californian coastline he must be transported back to that historic day.
“That’s a once-in-a-lifetime sort of performance,” said Rory McIlroy, who was playing a junior golf tournament in the United States at the time. “I don’t think something like that’s going to happen again.”
It is a far cry from where Woods stands now, however. He played in all four majors in 2024, but missed the cut in three and finished dead last at 60th of those who made the cut at The Masters.
Another injury-hit season for the 15-time major winner saw him undergo microdepression surgery of the lumbar spine for nerve impingement in the lower back in September.
The back surgery, Woods’ sixth of his career, was deemed successful and the American hopes it will aid his return.
“The surgery went smoothly and I’m hopeful it will alleviate the back spasms and the pain I was experiencing throughout most of the 2024 season,” Woods said. “I look forward to tackling this rehab and preparing to myself to get back to normal life activities, including golf.”
He will be aiming for a comeback at the PNC Championship in mid-December, where Woods is scheduled to play alongside his son Charlie, but skipping one of his favourite events has cast further doubt on his participation.
Woods especially would have been desperate to compete at Pebble Beach, having recently opened a pop-up store at the links. After his 27-year association with Nike came to an end, he set up his own Sun Day Red clothing brand and took that to one of his favourite venues.
An excited Woods said about the store: "Pebble Beach is very special to me for many reasons. Staying and playing at Pebble is the ultimate premium golf experience, making it the perfect place for our first Sun Day Red Pop-Up Shop. I’m excited to see fans discover and interact with our gear in this setting."
