There's been some controversy regarding Tiger Woods' health, but it appears as if the PGA Tour pro is silencing the skeptics. A week after posting a video on social media showing that he's now swinging a golf club, Woods announced on his website today that he's being more physically active.
The 40-year-old said he's now chipping and putting at home, in addition to hitting some 9-irons as he competes with his son Charlie.
Woods underwent two back surgeries within the past six months. His first came in September, and then he had a follow-up procedure in October. Although his medical team said he's expected to make a full recovery, it's unknown when he'll return to the PGA Tour because he's planning to rest for as long as possible in order to avoid another premature comeback.
Woods' very first back surgery came in March of 2014. He returned a few months later only to endure back pain and back spasms for much of the next year or so. He hopes to prevent that this time around due to the intricacy of his most recent surgeries as well as the uncertainty in terms of when he'll be fully healthy. Nerve issues typically have no concrete timetable for recovery.
He again reiterated in his most recent announcement that there is "no timetable" on his return to "competitive golf." The video he posted last week was the first time the public witnessed him swing a golf club in more than six months, and it's clear he's nowhere near being ready if he's only competing in three-hole chipping contests with his son in which the loser "has to do push-ups."
Any progression for Woods at this point is positive, considering many have speculated the former No.1 golfer in the world may retire due to his back issues. Last month, a report suggested Woods' health was getting worse and that he "can't move well" and that it's "painful to sit."
However, Woods' agent, Mark Steinberg, refuted those claims and Woods did the same by posting the video proving that he's healthy enough to swing a club.
The 14-time major winner has not yet ruled out a return during the 2015-2016 PGA Tour season, but it remains to be seen if that will happen.
