Tiger Woods Opens Up About 'Painful' Rehab

Tiger Woods Opens Up About 'Painful' Rehab

(Image credit: Getty Images)

In his first interview since his car crash in February, Tiger Woods talks about his rehab, and how it "was more painful than anything I have ever experienced.”

Tiger Woods Opens Up About 'Painful' Rehab

Speaking to Golf Digest, Woods revealed: “This has been an entirely different animal. I understand more of the rehab processes because of my past injuries, but this was more painful than anything I have ever experienced.”

The injuries were sustained after Woods' serious car crash, which saw him fracturing both his tibula and fibula bones in his right leg.

Tiger Woods Painful Rehab

Woods' car after his crash in February. (Mark J. Terrill For The Times/Getty Images)

With the rehabilitation phase underway, Woods had no comment about his future playing career, saying: “My physical therapy has been keeping me busy. I do my routines every day and am focused on my No. 1 goal right now: walking on my own. Taking it one step at a time.”

Despite the painful rehab, the 15-time Major champion has been pictured a number of times since the crash.

In April, Woods' was spotted watching his son, Charlie, at a junior golf event, whilst just this week, he was pictured sharing some inspiring words of encouragement with a young girl battling Ewing's Sarcoma.

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Woods is no stranger to long periods of rehab, sustaining multiple injuries throughout his career. In 2008, he practically played on one leg to claim the US Open at Torrey Pines. After the event, Woods went on to have reconstructive surgery on his ACL in his left knee.

During the surgery, further cartilage damage was repaired and he wouldn't return to action for nearly nine months.

In December 2017 after having a damaged disc removed from his back, Woods finally made his first competitive start in nine months at the Hero World Challenge.

As Woods recovers from his current injuries, one source of inspiration has come from Phil Mickelson's historic victory at the PGA Championship.

Phil Mickelson Wins PGA Championship

After the 50-year-old's win at Kiawah Island, Woods tweeted;  “Truly inspirational to see Phil Mickelson do it again at 50 years of age. Congrats!!!!!!!”

Woods will have undoubtedly taken inspiration from it, and if there's anyone in the world who can recover and get back to the top, it's Woods.

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.


Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.


Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x