Tiger Woods on playing again: ‘I don’t know when that is going to happen’
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Tiger Woods spoke about his golf future on Tuesday in his first press conference since suffering serious leg injuries in a February single-vehicle rollover accident. Woods is hosting the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas this week.
The 15-time major champion said he doesn’t know when he would play again but is happy that he can participate.
“As far as playing at the Tour level, I don’t know when that is going to happen,” Woods said. “I’ll play a round here and there, a little hit and giggle, I can do something like that. The USGA (United States Golf Association) suggests play forward, I really like that idea now. I don’t like that the tees are on back.”
He continued: “To see some of my shots fall out of the sky a lot shorter than they used to is a little eye opening. But at least I’m able to do it again. That’s something that for a while there didn’t look like I was going to. I’m able to participate in the sport of golf. Now to what level, I do not know that.”
On how much more difficult his current recovery has been compared to his others, Woods said, “This one has been much more difficult. It’s just hard to explain how difficult it’s been just to be immobile for the three months and lay there.
“I was just looking forward to just getting outside… that was a goal of mine, especially for a person who has lived his entire life outside.”
Woods has not played in a golf tournament since his accident.
The last time Woods played competitively was in December 2020, with his son, Charlie, at the PNC Championship in Orlando, Florida.
Last week, the 82-time PGA Tour winner posted a three-second video on social media of him taking a swing with the caption: “Making progress.”
The 45-year-old’s accident occurred near Los Angeles on February 23, when his SUV crossed a median, went across two lanes of road, then hit a tree and landed on the driver’s side in the brush.
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1978: At the age of 2, wins a putting contest with Bob Hope. The match was staged for the "Mike Douglas Show."
1980: Appears on the TV show "That's Incredible."
1991: Wins his first US Junior Amateur golf championship. At 15 years of age, Woods was the youngest champion in history until 14-year-old Jim Liu broke his record in 2010.
1992: Wins his second US Junior Amateur golf championship.
Amateur golfer Tiger Woods, right, talks with his father, Earl Woods, after practice for the Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., on Tuesday, April 4, 1995.
AP FILE1978: At the age of 2, wins a putting contest with Bob Hope. The match was staged for the "Mike Douglas Show."
1980: Appears on the TV show "That's Incredible."
1991: Wins his first US Junior Amateur golf championship. At 15 years of age, Woods was the youngest champion in history until 14-year-old Jim Liu broke his record in 2010.
1992: Wins his second US Junior Amateur golf championship.
Amateur golfer Tiger Woods, right, talks with his father, Earl Woods, after practice for the Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., on Tuesday, April 4, 1995.
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Feb. 27, 1992: Competes in his first PGA tournament at the age of 16. He is given a sponsor's exemption in order to play and is the youngest player ever to play in a PGA tournament at that time.
AP FILEFeb. 27, 1992: Competes in his first PGA tournament at the age of 16. He is given a sponsor's exemption in order to play and is the youngest player ever to play in a PGA tournament at that time.
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1993: Wins his third US Junior Amateur golf championship.
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1994-1996: Wins three consecutive US Amateur golf championships.
Tiger Woods throws his arms into the air in jubilation as he ties his match with Steve Scott on the 35th hole U.S. Amateur championship, Sunday, Aug. 25, 1996, at the Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in North Plains, Ore. Woods won the title on the 38th hole. (AP Photo/Jack Smith)
AP FILE1994-1996: Wins three consecutive US Amateur golf championships.
Tiger Woods throws his arms into the air in jubilation as he ties his match with Steve Scott on the 35th hole U.S. Amateur championship, Sunday, Aug. 25, 1996, at the Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in North Plains, Ore. Woods won the title on the 38th hole. (AP Photo/Jack Smith)
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April 5, 1995: Tiger Woods is shown during Masters practice in Augusta, Ga.
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June 16, 1995: Tiger Woods, with his left wrist bandage, talks with reporters outside the tournament media center after withdrawing from the tournament during the U.S. Open at Shinecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y.
AP FILEJune 16, 1995: Tiger Woods, with his left wrist bandage, talks with reporters outside the tournament media center after withdrawing from the tournament during the U.S. Open at Shinecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y.
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July 18, 1995: Amateur golfer Tiger Woods competes in his first British Open.
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Aug. 27, 1995: Tiger Woods holds the 1995 United States Amateur trophy at the Newport Country Club in Newport, R.I.
AP FILEAug. 27, 1995: Tiger Woods holds the 1995 United States Amateur trophy at the Newport Country Club in Newport, R.I.
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April 10, 1996: Four-time Masters winner Arnold Palmer, left, six-time Masters winner Jack Nicklaus, center, and Tiger Woods watch from the 15th tee during practice for the Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga.
Aug. 27, 1996: Turns professional.
August 1996: Signs a five-year endorsement deal with Nike worth $40 million.
AP FILEApril 10, 1996: Four-time Masters winner Arnold Palmer, left, six-time Masters winner Jack Nicklaus, center, and Tiger Woods watch from the 15th tee during practice for the Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga.
Aug. 27, 1996: Turns professional.
August 1996: Signs a five-year endorsement deal with Nike worth $40 million.
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Oct. 6, 1996: Wins his first tournament as a professional at the Las Vegas Invitational.
1996: Forms the Tiger Woods Foundation for the promotion of minority participation in golf and other sports. In February 2018, the charity is renamed TGR Foundation to reflect its growth and scope.
AP FILEOct. 6, 1996: Wins his first tournament as a professional at the Las Vegas Invitational.
1996: Forms the Tiger Woods Foundation for the promotion of minority participation in golf and other sports. In February 2018, the charity is renamed TGR Foundation to reflect its growth and scope.
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April 13, 1997: Wins his first Masters Tournament.
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June 1997: Becomes the No. 1 ranked golfer in the world after his 42nd week on the PGA Tour. At 21 years, 24 weeks, he is the youngest player ever to hold the No. 1 spot.
AP FILEJune 1997: Becomes the No. 1 ranked golfer in the world after his 42nd week on the PGA Tour. At 21 years, 24 weeks, he is the youngest player ever to hold the No. 1 spot.
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Aug. 15, 1999: Wins his first PGA championship.
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June 18, 2000: Wins his first US Open by 15 strokes, the largest margin in US Open history.
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July 23, 2000: Wins his first British Open.
Sept. 14, 2000: Signs a five-year endorsement contract with Nike. It is worth an estimated $85 million, making it the richest endorsement contract in sports history, at the time.
AP FILEJuly 23, 2000: Wins his first British Open.
Sept. 14, 2000: Signs a five-year endorsement contract with Nike. It is worth an estimated $85 million, making it the richest endorsement contract in sports history, at the time.
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June 16, 2002: Wins his second US Open. Woods holds his trophy and embraces his mother, Kultida Woods.
AP FILEJune 16, 2002: Wins his second US Open. Woods holds his trophy and embraces his mother, Kultida Woods.
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Dec. 8, 2003: Named PGA Player of the Year for the fifth straight year.
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May 13, 2005: Woods fails to make the cut at the Byron Nelson Championship in Irving, Texas. It is the first time since 1998 that Woods is eliminated from a tournament.
AP FILEMay 13, 2005: Woods fails to make the cut at the Byron Nelson Championship in Irving, Texas. It is the first time since 1998 that Woods is eliminated from a tournament.
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Nov. 23, 2005: Wins the PGA Grand Slam of Golf for a record-breaking sixth time.
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Feb. 10, 2006: Opens the Tiger Woods Learning Center in Anaheim, California.
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May 3, 2006: Woods' father, Earl Woods, dies of prostate cancer.
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July 23, 2006: Wins his third British Open.
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Aug. 20, 2006: Wins his third PGA Championship.
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Aug. 12, 2007: Wins his fourth PGA Championship.
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April 15, 2008: Undergoes arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. He had two prior surgeries on the same knee, first in 1994 to remove a benign tumor, and another arthroscopic surgery in December 2002.
AP FILEApril 15, 2008: Undergoes arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. He had two prior surgeries on the same knee, first in 1994 to remove a benign tumor, and another arthroscopic surgery in December 2002.
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June 16, 2008: Wins the US Open in sudden death, defeating Rocco Mediate.
June 18, 2008: Woods announces that he will undergo reconstructive anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery on his left knee and will miss the remainder of the PGA tour season.
AP FILEJune 16, 2008: Wins the US Open in sudden death, defeating Rocco Mediate.
June 18, 2008: Woods announces that he will undergo reconstructive anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery on his left knee and will miss the remainder of the PGA tour season.
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Feb. 26, 2009: After an eight-month hiatus from golf due to knee surgery, Woods plays the second round of the World Golf Championships Match Play and loses to Tim Clark.
AP FILEFeb. 26, 2009: After an eight-month hiatus from golf due to knee surgery, Woods plays the second round of the World Golf Championships Match Play and loses to Tim Clark.
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Nov. 15, 2009: Wins the Australian Masters.
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Nov. 21, 2009: Tiger Woods, daughter Sam Woods, and wife Elin Nordegren, before an NCAA college football game in Stanford, Calif.
AP FILENov. 21, 2009: Tiger Woods, daughter Sam Woods, and wife Elin Nordegren, before an NCAA college football game in Stanford, Calif.
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Nov. 27, 2009: Is taken to a hospital after being injured in a car accident in front of his home in Florida. He is released later the same day.
AP FILENov. 27, 2009: Is taken to a hospital after being injured in a car accident in front of his home in Florida. He is released later the same day.
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Dec. 2, 2009: Woods apologizes for "transgressions" that let his family down - the same day a gossip magazine publishes a report alleging he had an affair. He does not admit to an affair and offers no details about the "transgressions" in his statement.
AP FILEDec. 2, 2009: Woods apologizes for "transgressions" that let his family down - the same day a gossip magazine publishes a report alleging he had an affair. He does not admit to an affair and offers no details about the "transgressions" in his statement.
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Feb. 19, 2010: Makes a televised statement apologizing for being unfaithful to his wife and letting down both fans and family. "I had affairs, I cheated. What I did was not acceptable, and I am the only person to blame," he says. Responding to rumors, Woods says that his wife never hit him, as some media reported in connection with the car crash on November 27, 2009, and that there has "never been an episode of domestic violence" in his relationship with his wife. Woods also says that he entered a rehabilitation center for 45 days, from the end of December to early February, and that he will continue to receive treatment and therapy.
2010: Loses about $20 million from estimated endorsements after sponsors including Gatorade, AT&T and Accenture end ties. Other sponsors including Nike, Upper Deck and EA Sports remain with Woods.
AP FILEFeb. 19, 2010: Makes a televised statement apologizing for being unfaithful to his wife and letting down both fans and family. "I had affairs, I cheated. What I did was not acceptable, and I am the only person to blame," he says. Responding to rumors, Woods says that his wife never hit him, as some media reported in connection with the car crash on November 27, 2009, and that there has "never been an episode of domestic violence" in his relationship with his wife. Woods also says that he entered a rehabilitation center for 45 days, from the end of December to early February, and that he will continue to receive treatment and therapy.
2010: Loses about $20 million from estimated endorsements after sponsors including Gatorade, AT&T and Accenture end ties. Other sponsors including Nike, Upper Deck and EA Sports remain with Woods.
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Oct. 31, 2010: After 281 straight weeks, the longest in Official World Golf Ranking history, Woods loses his No. 1 ranking to Lee Westwood.
AP FILEOct. 31, 2010: After 281 straight weeks, the longest in Official World Golf Ranking history, Woods loses his No. 1 ranking to Lee Westwood.
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July 19, 2011: Woods announces that after a 12-year relationship, he and caddie Steve Williams will no longer be working together.
AP FILEJuly 19, 2011: Woods announces that after a 12-year relationship, he and caddie Steve Williams will no longer be working together.
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Aug. 11, 2011: Plays one of his worst first rounds of golf in a major championship. He fails to make the cut at the PGA Championship for the first time in his career.
Oct. 3, 2011: For the first time in 15 years, Woods does not make it onto golf's top 50 players list, according to the official World Golf Ranking.
AP FILEAug. 11, 2011: Plays one of his worst first rounds of golf in a major championship. He fails to make the cut at the PGA Championship for the first time in his career.
Oct. 3, 2011: For the first time in 15 years, Woods does not make it onto golf's top 50 players list, according to the official World Golf Ranking.
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March 25, 2012: Earns his first PGA Tour win since September 2009, in the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando.
AP FILEMarch 25, 2012: Earns his first PGA Tour win since September 2009, in the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando.
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June 3, 2012: With his win at the Memorial Tournament, ties Jack Nicklaus with 73 PGA Tour victories.
July 2, 2012: Beats Nicklaus' PGA Tour record with the AT&T National win. Woods' 74th PGA Tour win ranks him in second place on the all-time list.
Sept. 3, 2012: Becomes the first PGA tour participant to earn $100 million.
AP FILEJune 3, 2012: With his win at the Memorial Tournament, ties Jack Nicklaus with 73 PGA Tour victories.
July 2, 2012: Beats Nicklaus' PGA Tour record with the AT&T National win. Woods' 74th PGA Tour win ranks him in second place on the all-time list.
Sept. 3, 2012: Becomes the first PGA tour participant to earn $100 million.
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March 25, 2013: Woods wins the Arnold Palmer Invitational for the eighth time, and regains the No. 1 spot.
AP FILEMarch 25, 2013: Woods wins the Arnold Palmer Invitational for the eighth time, and regains the No. 1 spot.
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March 31, 2014: Woods undergoes back surgery for a pinched nerve.
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Aug. 23, 2015: Woods posts a top 10 finish at his debut at the Wyndham Championships but ends his season as the 257th ranked player in the world. His finish was four shots off eventual winner Davis Love III. Woods has now missed the cut for three majors in a row.
AP FILEAug. 23, 2015: Woods posts a top 10 finish at his debut at the Wyndham Championships but ends his season as the 257th ranked player in the world. His finish was four shots off eventual winner Davis Love III. Woods has now missed the cut for three majors in a row.
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Dec. 1, 2015: Woods announces that he underwent his third microdiscectomy surgery last month - a procedure to remove bone around a pinched nerve to allow space for it to heal - and admits he has no idea when he will be back on the course.
July 20, 2016: It is announced that Woods will miss the PGA Championship due to his continued recovery from back surgery. This marks the first time in his career that he has missed all four major championships.
AP FILEDec. 1, 2015: Woods announces that he underwent his third microdiscectomy surgery last month - a procedure to remove bone around a pinched nerve to allow space for it to heal - and admits he has no idea when he will be back on the course.
July 20, 2016: It is announced that Woods will miss the PGA Championship due to his continued recovery from back surgery. This marks the first time in his career that he has missed all four major championships.
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Dec. 4, 2016: Woods finishes 14 shots behind the winner in the Hero World Challenge, his first competitive event in more than a year.
AP FILEDec. 4, 2016: Woods finishes 14 shots behind the winner in the Hero World Challenge, his first competitive event in more than a year.
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Jupiter Police Department via AP
May 29, 2017: Woods is arrested on suspicion of DUI in Jupiter, Florida. He says in a statement that he had "an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications" and that alcohol was not involved.
June 19, 2017: Woods announces that he is receiving professional help to manage medication for back pain and a sleep disorder.
July 3, 2017: Announces that he has completed an intensive program for managing his medications.
Oct. 27, 2017: Woods pleads guilty to reckless driving. His 12-month probation is contingent on completing any recommended treatment including DUI school, 50 hours of community services and random drug and alcohol testing.
Jupiter Police Department via APMay 29, 2017: Woods is arrested on suspicion of DUI in Jupiter, Florida. He says in a statement that he had "an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications" and that alcohol was not involved.
June 19, 2017: Woods announces that he is receiving professional help to manage medication for back pain and a sleep disorder.
July 3, 2017: Announces that he has completed an intensive program for managing his medications.
Oct. 27, 2017: Woods pleads guilty to reckless driving. His 12-month probation is contingent on completing any recommended treatment including DUI school, 50 hours of community services and random drug and alcohol testing.
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Dec. 3, 2017: Making his long-awaited return from a fourth back surgery - his first tournament for 301 days since pulling out of the Dubai Desert Classic in February - Woods finishes in a tie for ninth place in the Hero World Challenge tournament in the Bahamas.
AP FILEDec. 3, 2017: Making his long-awaited return from a fourth back surgery - his first tournament for 301 days since pulling out of the Dubai Desert Classic in February - Woods finishes in a tie for ninth place in the Hero World Challenge tournament in the Bahamas.
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Sept. 23, 2018: Wins the Tour Championship at Atlanta's East Lake Golf Club, for his first PGA Tour victory since August 2013 and his 80th overall.
AP FILESept. 23, 2018: Wins the Tour Championship at Atlanta's East Lake Golf Club, for his first PGA Tour victory since August 2013 and his 80th overall.
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April 14, 2019: Wins his fifth Masters and 15th major title.
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May 6, 2019: President Donald Trump presents Woods with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, during a White House ceremony.
AP FILEMay 6, 2019: President Donald Trump presents Woods with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, during a White House ceremony.
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Oct. 27, 2019: Woods wins his record-equaling 82nd PGA Tour title at the Zozo Championship in Chiba, Japan. Woods is tied with legendary golfer Sam Snead, who won 82 titles throughout his more than 50-year career.
AP FILEOct. 27, 2019: Woods wins his record-equaling 82nd PGA Tour title at the Zozo Championship in Chiba, Japan. Woods is tied with legendary golfer Sam Snead, who won 82 titles throughout his more than 50-year career.
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May 24, 2020: Woods and Peyton Manning defeat Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady by one stroke in "The Match: Champions for Charity" golf tournament at the Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Florida. The event raises over $20 million for coronavirus relief efforts and captures an average of 5.8 million viewers to become the most-watched golf telecast in the history of cable television.
AP FILEMay 24, 2020: Woods and Peyton Manning defeat Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady by one stroke in "The Match: Champions for Charity" golf tournament at the Medalist Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Florida. The event raises over $20 million for coronavirus relief efforts and captures an average of 5.8 million viewers to become the most-watched golf telecast in the history of cable television.
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Dec. 17, 2020: Tiger Woods, left, gives his son Charlie a fist bump after Charlie made a putt on the 12th green during a practice round of the Father Son Challenge golf tournament in Orlando, Florida.
AP FILEDec. 17, 2020: Tiger Woods, left, gives his son Charlie a fist bump after Charlie made a putt on the 12th green during a practice round of the Father Son Challenge golf tournament in Orlando, Florida.
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Feb. 23, 2021: Woods is hospitalized after a serious one-car rollover accident in Los Angeles County, according to the LA County Sheriff's Department. Wood's Agent Mark Steinberg said the golfer suffered "multiple leg injuries" and was in surgery following the accident. The following day, Woods is "awake, responsive, and recovering" in the hospital after emergency surgery on his lower right leg and ankle at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. The leg fractures were "comminuted," meaning the bone was broken into more than two parts, and "open," meaning the broken bone was exposed to open air, creating risk of an infection, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anish Mahajan said in the statement.
AP FILEFeb. 23, 2021: Woods is hospitalized after a serious one-car rollover accident in Los Angeles County, according to the LA County Sheriff's Department. Wood's Agent Mark Steinberg said the golfer suffered "multiple leg injuries" and was in surgery following the accident. The following day, Woods is "awake, responsive, and recovering" in the hospital after emergency surgery on his lower right leg and ankle at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. The leg fractures were "comminuted," meaning the bone was broken into more than two parts, and "open," meaning the broken bone was exposed to open air, creating risk of an infection, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anish Mahajan said in the statement.
