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Tiger Woods undergoes back surgery, won’t return to PGA until 2016

On Friday, he announced that he had undergone “successful back surgery” to remove a small disc fragment that was pinching his nerve.

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“I appreciate the fans’ concern and support”, he said.

“Tiger Woods underwent a microdiscectomy late on September 16 at Park City Medical Center”, neurosurgeon Charles Rich said in an unbylined story.

Tiger Woods tees off on the second hole during the final round of the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club on August 23, 2015 in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Woods was due to play in the Frys.com Open, Bridgestone America’s Golf Cup in Mexico City and the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas between now and the end of the year.

According to his website, Woods “felt some occasional discomfort in the back and hip area the last several weeks, including at the Wyndham Championship”.

Dr. Rich, who performed the initial operation in March 2014, called it “a complete success”. An examination displayed that he was again experiencing major back issues and he elected to undergo the procedure. Doctors sourced the pain to Woods’ surgically repaired back, and Woods opted for surgery to deal with the problem.

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That means Woods will miss the start of the 2015-2016 PGA Tour season at the Frys.com Open, slated for October 12-18, which he had previously committed to playing. “It won’t be any different this time”. The 14-time major victor is expected to return to the PGA tour in early 2016. He’ll also miss the two-man Americas Golf Cup on PGA Tour Latinoamerica, where Woods was set to represent the USA with partner Matt Kuchar.

Tiger Woods out indefinitely after back surgery