Overview
- Tiger Woods had an L4/L5 lumbar disc replacement on Oct. 10, his seventh back surgery, and has set no return timetable.
- He will skip his hosted Hero World Challenge and is not currently entered with his son for the PNC Championship in December.
- Notah Begay III says Woods’ ball speed is roughly 175–180 mph and fitness is strong, but sustained walking is the limiting factor.
- Begay floated flatter events such as the RBC Heritage at Hilton Head and the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial as possible targets if he returns to PGA Tour stops.
- Woods turns 50 on Dec. 30 and becomes eligible for the PGA Tour Champions, where carts are permitted; tour officials say they are preparing, and Davis Love III hopes to see him at the Hawaii opener while advocating a mandatory cart rule.