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Tiger Woods Sinks to Career-Low No. 2,048 in World Ranking After Back Surgery

Recovery from an L4/L5 disc replacement now clouds whether he will use his major exemptions next season.

Overview

  • The latest OWGR update lists Woods at 2,048th, his lowest position and outside the top 2,000 for the first time.
  • Woods disclosed he underwent an L4/L5 lumbar disc replacement on Oct. 11, following an Achilles surgery in March.
  • Reported medical estimates suggest a recovery window of roughly three to six months, with full competitive readiness uncertain.
  • He has not played since missing the cut at The Open in July 2024 and has entered no ranking events this year.
  • Analysts project he could become unranked by the 2026 Masters if he remains inactive, though he retains exemptions for the Masters, PGA Championship and The Open.