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Tiger Woods undergoes fifth back surgery, out at least two months

Before his most recent surgery, Tiger Woods had the same operation done three times, once in 2014 and twice in 2015. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
Before his most recent surgery, Tiger Woods had the same operation done three times, once in 2014 and twice in 2015. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Tiger Woods underwent a microdiscectomy procedure to remove a pressurized disc fragment that was pinching a nerve in his lower back, it was announced Tuesday.

In a statement, Woods said he experienced discomfort following the PNC Championship in December. He is expected to make a full recovery, but the star golfer won't compete in next week's Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines or The Genesis Invitational at Riviera next month.

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Golf Digest reported that Woods will be out for at least two months. According to the outlet, the 45-year-old Woods hopes to return in time for the Masters, which is set to begin April 8.

"I look forward to begin training and am focused on getting back out on Tour," Woods said in a statement.

Woods, who has struggled with back problems in recent years, is no stranger to the procedure. He had the same operation done three times -- once in 2014 and twice in 2015. He later underwent spinal fusion surgery in April 2017 that kept him sidelined for almost six months.

Woods returned from that procedure in 2018 and went on to win the Tour Championship that year. He also won the Masters in 2019 and the Zozo Championship later that year.

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Tiger Woods turns 47: a look back

Tiger Woods swings during the second round of the U.S. Open in Bethesda, Md., on June 13, 1997. The following April, Woods became the youngest Masters Tournament winner. Photo by Jay Clark/UPI | License Photo

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