As unfortunate as it is, Tiger Woods is no stranger to returning to competition after a long time away due to injuries.
Woods will tee it up next week at the 2023 Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, playing for the first time since the Masters in April, where he withdrew after the third round. Shortly after the WD, Woods underwent ankle surgery to address post-traumatic arthritis.
Since then and especially in recent weeks, Woods has been making more public appearances, whether at his course in Mexico for the PGA Tour event or caddying for son Charlie at different events. And next week, he’s back at his tournament.
What should you expect from Big Cat? Here’s how he has done in his return to competition after six or more months away.
Tim Clark of South Africa watches as world number one Tiger Woods of the US takes his shot before losing to Clark during the Accenture Match Play Championship held at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Dove Mountain course in Tucson, Arizona on February 26, 2009. (Photo: MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images)
Woods’ return from an eight-month layoff ended abruptly as South African Tim Clark bested the top golfer in the world 4 and 2 in the second round of the event. It was Woods’ first tournament since his gritty U.S. Open victory at Torrey Pines, which was followed with knee surgery.
Tiger Woods waits on the 18th green during the second round of the 2010 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 9, 2010 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
OK, Tiger missed only five months before teeing it up at the 2010 Masters, but it didn’t hinder his performance whatsoever.
Tiger Woods hits a drive on the fourth hole during the final round of the Hero World Challenge at Albany course on December 4, 2016 in Nassau, Bahamas. (Photo by Stan Badz/PGA TOUR)
In late 2015, Woods has three surgeries on his back that kept him out of competition for more than a year. He finished 15th at his event in the Bahamas, one of only two events he played in the 2016-17 season.
Tiger Woods hits his tee shot on the first hole during the first round of the Hero World Challenge golf tournament at Albany. (Photo: Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports)
Another year, another return in the Bahamas after a long layoff. This one coming after a fourth back surgery, a spinal fusion. It starts the trek to him winning the 2019 Masters.
Tiger Woods walks off the 18th hole after finishing his round during the final round of the 2022 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Danielle Parhizkaran-Augusta Chronicle/USA TODAY Sports)
A severe car wreck in early 2021 results in Woods missing more than a year of competition and having his right leg severely injured. The surgery essentially rebuilt his leg. However, he makes the cut in his return, but there’s some signs of discomfort walking the severe slopes of Augusta National.
Tiger Woods hits from the third hole tee during the final round of the 2023 Genesis Invitational in Pacific Palisades, California. (Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)
In his first start since missing the cut at the 150th Open Championship, Woods makes the cut at Riviera and proceeds to finish T-45.
Viktor Hovland poses with the trophy and tournament host Tiger Woods after winning the 2022 Hero World Challenge at Albany Golf Course in Nassau, Bahamas. (Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Next week, Tiger is in the 20-man field making his first start since ankle surgery.
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