Ace golfer Tiger Woods has been bothered by health issues for a long time and had to leave the Dubai Desert Classic in February to undergo fusion surgery on his spine. He is now preparing to participate in the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.
Daily Mail UK reports that he is still not confident about whether his body can withstand the rigors of professional golf, but he has managed to overcome an addiction to painkilling drugs which he used to take to cure his chronic back problems.
It may be recalled that he was arrested in May for driving under the influence.
Medical reports indicated the presence of different types of drugs in his system at the time, and the police video footage was revealing.
He wants to prove his mettle
Tiger Woods will be in the Bahamas to participate in the Hero World Challenge. It will be his first golf tournament since February and will be yet another attempt to get back into shape after suffering from chronic back problems. He is a professional, is a 14-time major champion, and is keen to wield the club once again with authority. However, he has now slipped to the 1199 position and wants to prove his mettle. He wants to get out of bed in the morning and grab a club, but he does not want to use it as a crutch.
Incidentally, he had to undergo treatment for drug addiction due to painkillers that the doctors prescribed to get rid of the nagging backaches.
The physical discomfort coupled with a lack of sleep disturbed his routine. He is recovering and wants to leave the past behind to concentrate on his game.
His future plans
As his health improves, 41-year-old Tiger Woods is looking ahead to more golf. He is trying to add extra power to his shots. The first 9-iron he hit after surgery traveled only 80 yards, but he is improving, and in the opinion of observers, he could regain his earlier form.
Like a true pro, he must have already set his sights on a goal and is wanting to proceed with caution. Woods has not yet confirmed his participation in the unofficial PGA Tour event in aid of his own charitable foundation and could spring a surprise.
Apart from the injuries, he had passed through an unpleasant phase in his personal life that took a toll on his game.
The drug episode in his life was another setback. In his case, it was not any performance-enhancing drug but was prescribed by the doctors, for pain, and he had to pay the price. In spite of these incidents, Tiger Woods continues to be a pro who can take the good with the bad.
