Tiger Woods returns to golf after sixth back surgery with son Charlie
- Tiger Woods will compete at the PNC Championship alongside his son Charlie, marking his return to golf after a sixth back surgery.
- The tournament will feature 20 teams, including notable participants and is scheduled for December 21-22 in Florida.
- Woods emphasized the importance of playing with family and mentioned his ongoing rehabilitation process as he prepares for future competitions.
In December 2024, Tiger Woods is set to return to competitive golf at the PNC Championship, marking his first tournament appearance since undergoing his sixth back surgery three months prior. This surgery, a microdiscectomy performed in September, was aimed at alleviating pain that Woods experienced in his legs. The PNC Championship will take place at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida, where 20 teams will participate, including Woods and his 15-year-old son Charlie. Woods has played in this event annually since 2020, which invites major champions to play alongside their family members. Woods has faced numerous challenges in recent years due to ongoing back issues, including a significant fusion surgery in 2017. Despite these hurdles, he made history earlier this year by setting a Masters record with his 24th consecutive cut. However, he missed the cut in the other three major tournaments during the same season. In preparation for the PNC Championship, Woods chose to skip the Hero World Challenge, a tournament he hosts, due to feeling unprepared to compete at that level. This year, Woods will benefit from being able to use a cart during the PNC Championship, an important accommodation given his physical condition. He expressed the emotional significance of playing alongside Charlie, emphasizing the value of family and friends during competitions. While Woods has maintained a rigorous rehabilitation regimen to recover and strengthen his body, he has acknowledged uncertainty surrounding his future commitments to the sport. He stated that he hopes to build strength and improve gradually, giving himself the best chance to play in 2025. The PNC Championship attracts a mix of young athletes and seasoned veterans, showcasing a generational bond through the sport. Notable participants this year include the 89-year-old Gary Player and Nelly Korda playing alongside her father, tennis champion Petr Korda. As Woods recommits to competitive golf, his journey of recovery and the bond he shares with Charlie promises to be a highlight of this year's tournament.