Former world No.1 and 14-time major winner Tiger Woods has announced he will be sidelined until 2016 after having a second back operation.
Woods, who missed qualification for the current US PGA Tour playoffs and was due to open the 2015-16 season at the Frys.com open in October, will now be out of action as he recovers.
He will also miss the America's Golf Cup in Mexico and his own Hero World Challenge in December.
The surgery was performed late Wednesday in Park City, Utah, by neurosurgeon Dr Charles Rich, the same surgeon who performed the initial operation on March 31, 2014.
With the upcoming offseason, the decision was made to remove a small disc fragment that was pinching his nerve. The microsurgery was a complete success, and he was discharged Thursday night, Dr Rich said on Woods' official website.
Woods will begin intensive rehabilitation and soft tissue treatment within a week and hopes to return in early 2016.
He was out of action for three months after the first operation.
"This is certainly disappointing, but I'm a fighter," Woods said.
"I've been told I can make a full recovery, and I have no doubt that I will.
"I appreciate the fans' concern and support. This is unfortunate, but these things happen. I've been injured before and played again. It won't be any different this time.
"I'd like to send my regrets to Frys and all those associated with the America's Golf Cup.
"Those were two events I was really looking forward to playing."
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