Tiger Woods undergoes ‘successful’ ankle surgery after Masters withdrawal, could miss PGA Championship

Woods, 47, pulled out during the third round of the major at Augusta because of plantar fasciitis.

He was seen limping on the course and has now had an operation to correct an arthritis issue from a previous ankle fracture.

“Earlier today, Tiger underwent a subtalar fusion procedure to address his post-traumatic arthritis from his previous talus fracture,” said a statement on Woods’ social media channels.

“It was performed by Dr Martin O’Malley at HSS Sports Medicine Institute in New York. He has determined the surgery to be successful.

“Tiger is recovering and looks forward to beginning his rehabilitation.”

It is not clear when Woods will return to the course.

The 15-time major winner seems likely to miss next month’s PGA Championship which is being held at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester from May 18-21.

Woods suffered career-threatening leg injuries in a car crash in February 2021 and has only played in five tournaments since then, completing 72 holes twice.

Woods’ agent Mark Steinberg has said there is “no timetable” on a return.

“He’s resting now and will start the recovery process,” he told The Associated Press.

“The first goal is to recover and lead a much more enjoyable day-to-day life.”

The next major after the USA PGA Championship is the US Open, which starts on June 15 at the Los Angeles Country Club in California.

The Open follows a month later at Royal Liverpool in Hoylake.