Pictures of Tiger Woods over the years speak volumes about his health struggles

Tiger Woods has had a great golf career. After all, you can’t win the prestigious Masters tournament five times without maintaining your competitive fitness and training hard. But Woods has also faced some serious health struggles over the years. And in 2026, one of those struggles will keep him out of the Masters Greens, according to an official statement from Augusta National Golf Club, where the Masters is held (via X).

Stuttering was one of Woods’ early health-related challenges. Observations indicate that prolonged periods of stuttering affect about 5% of children Stuttering Foundation. Most young people who stutter eventually stop, including Woods, who overcame his difficulties through extensive training. As Woods shared in an interview, “I went to school to try to get over that (stuttering), and I’m going to work on getting rid of that” (via espn).

In recent years, the professional golfer has had other health issues — some requiring surgeries — that have affected his health and ability to play.

Woods has a long history of needing surgical intervention on his knees, starting in 1994. Over the years, he has needed surgery to remove tumors and scar tissue in his knee, drain fluid from a lump in one knee, and repair damage to the cartilage in his knee.

During an interview with L Vision Magazine In 2017, Woods admitted, “I’ll always have a little pain” when asked about his knee surgeries. (If you need knee surgery, read on What to expect during knee arthroscopy.)

In addition to the knee surgeries, Woods underwent seven back surgeries to address various concerns (including nerve impingement and pain related to sciatica), all between 2014 and 2025 (via Becker spine review).

In an interview with L Vision Magazine Which happened after the first of his three back surgeries, he noted that he felt good, but not great. He also previously admitted to having doubts about his ability to remain an “elite” player due to his multiple operations and the time and effort it took him to recover from them.

As if his back surgeries weren’t bad enough, Woods was pushed back by back spasms on the golf course In 2024 while playing in the Genesis Invitational. As Woods explained to a reporter, “His back was cramping up on the last two holes and he was locked in” (trans espn).

Back spasms can vary in severity and are more likely to occur in people like Woods who have some serious back-related issues (according to Cleveland Clinic).

Playing golf involves using your entire body, especially your shoulders and arms. In fact, 2006 review In sports medicine, shoulder overuse injuries are listed as common among golfers.

Thus, it may not have been a surprise that Woods suffered a bout with a left shoulder injury in 2006 (per National golfer). However, the problem was muscular and did not appear to have significantly affected his performance in the WGC-American Express Championship, which he won.

A serious single-vehicle crash in 2021 left Woods with serious injuries that required emergency surgical treatment. He suffered damage to his right foot, ankle and leg, described as “major orthopedic injuries” requiring a “lengthy” surgical procedure (via X).

The accident left Woods unable to play professionally for more than a year. However, he was able to compete in the Masters in 2022 (via Golf Channel). Some have called Woods professors go back to modern medicine.

This was not the first car accident that left Woods with injuries. In 2009, he collided with a water tap near his home, resulting in scratches to his face.

Woods has also been involved in driving-related incidents due to suspected substance abuse. The first occurred in 2017, and ended with a reckless driving charge. Woods said he fell asleep behind the wheel because of the medications he was taking.

In 2026, Woods was pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), did not consent to a urine test, and was later charged. Woods said, following his arrest (via X) that he was “stepping away” to “seek treatment” and “work on a permanent recovery” – hence his absence from the 2026 Masters.

If you or someone you know needs help with addiction problems, help is available. Visit Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website Or call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).