Tiger Woods has revealed it’s “realistic” he’ll again compete on the PGA Tour, albeit not in a full-time capacity, and admitted to fearing a leg amputation in the aftermath of February’s California car crash.
“I think something that is realistic is playing the (PGA) Tour one day – never full-time, ever again – but pick and choose, just like Mr (Ben) Hogan did. Pick and choose a few events a year and you play around that,” Woods told Golf Digest.
Hogan was involved in a near-fatal car crash in February 1949 that left him with severe blood clots in his legs. To prevent clots from potentially spreading to his heart, the American underwent a procedure to have his main artery tied from his heart.
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But despite effectively being crippled for the rest of his life, Hogan returned to golf in a part-time capacity and achieved the unfathomable, winning six majors from nine starts between 1950 and 1953. His 1953 season, in which he triumphed in the Masters, the US Open and the British Open, winning every major he entered, is among the greatest of all time.
Woods suffered fractures to the tibia and fibula in his right leg in the crash.
In a feel-good insight into his recovery, however, Woods last week posted a video showing him swinging a golf club for the first time since the accident.
“You practice around that, and you gear yourself up for that. I think that’s how I’m going to have to play it from now on. It’s an unfortunate reality, but it’s my reality. And I understand it, and I accept it,” Woods said.
“There was a point in time when – I wouldn’t say it was 50-50 – but it was damn near there if I was going to walk out of that hospital with one leg.”
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The 45-year-old’s career has been defined by his phenomenal achievements on the golf course and incredible comeback stories.
He famously returned from a series of back surgeries, including a spinal fusion, to win the 2019 Masters.
“I don’t have to compete and play against the best players in the world to have a great life,” Woods said.
“After my back fusion, I had to climb Mount Everest one more time. I had to do it, and I did. This time around, I don’t think I’ll have the body to climb Mount Everest – and that’s OK.
“I can still participate in the game of golf. I can still, if my leg gets OK – I can still click off a tournament here or there.
“But as far as climbing the mountain again and getting all the way to the top, I don’t think that’s a realistic expectation of me.”
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Los Angeles county sheriff Alex Villanueva announced in May that Woods would not be summoned to appear in court over the crash. Villanueva said that neither drugs nor alcohol were believed to be factors in the crash and that excessive speed was the cause.
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