Report: Tiger Woods has bulging disk, will not need surgery

Good news for those hoping to see Tiger Woods back on the course sooner than later, as Tiger Woods is reported to have a bulging disc that will not need surgery.

Golfweek’s Jeff Rude talked to “someone with knowledge of his condition” who said it is a bulging disc for the No. 1 player in the world which is better news than some expected.

“Tiger Woods has been diagnosed with a bulging back disk and won’t need surgery, someone with knowledge of his condition said Thursday.

“It could have been much worse, the person said, because Woods doesn’t have the kind of herniated disk that likely would require an operation.”

Woods has been bothered by this back for most of 2014, withdrawing from the Honda Classic during his final round because of back spasms and after confirming a spot at the Cadillac Championship, finished the tournament but still seemed bothered with back issues.

It was the news that Woods was withdrawing from this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational that was the most evident of his back issues, as Tiger has won 8 times at Bay Hill, and his quote even hinted at a pass on the Masters.

“It’s too early to know about the Masters, and I will continue to be evaluated and work closely with my doctors,” Woods said on his website.

The Masters begin exactly three weeks from this Thursday, so time is ticking on Tiger and his back issues, but no surgery means at least there is a shot he will tee it up at Augusta National.

Update: Tiger’s agent, Mark Steinberg, talked with GolfChannel.com and said, “Nothing new to report since Tuesday. Tiger is resting and receiving treatment. We will evaluate in the coming days.”

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Shane Bacon is the editor of Devil Ball Golf and Busted Racquet on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shanebaconblogs@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter at @ShaneBacon!