Golfer Tiger Woods announced on his official website he underwent back surgery Thursday in an effort to lessen pain in his back and leg.
"The surgery went well, and I'm optimistic this will relieve my back spasms and pain," Woods said. "When healed, I look forward to getting back to a normal life, playing with my kids, competing in professional golf and living without the pain I have been battling so long."
The announcement noted therapy "failed as a permanent solution" after three previous surgeries and past herniations caused "sciatica and severe back and leg pain" after his "bottom lower-back disc severely narrowed.