With each of his back surgeries, Tiger Woods could always portray a relatively optimistic outlook, one that is increasingly more difficult to do now that he announced a fourth procedure that involves a fusion and another lengthy absence from the game.
Woods' latest surgery performed last week in Texas will undoubtedly provide relief that has eluded him of late and lead to quality of life improvements that are far more important than golf. He said as much in his statement, and agent Mark Steinberg acknowledged that difficulties halted his latest comeback.
But as many were doing well before Woods' fourth back surgery, it is fair to wonder if his career is over, let alone whether he'll be competitive again or even win another tournament.