The legendary and arguably the most famous golfer of all time, Tiger Woods, endured a serious car crash on February 23, 2021, at approximately 7:12 a.m. PT around the Rolling Hills Estates, which left him in potentially critical condition.  

Woods reportedly hit a road median and struck a sign which launched and rolled his Hyundai Genesis SUV across the roadway. Woods was barely able to move as the car rolled on the driver’s side, helplessly pinning Woods in the annihilated piece of metal. 

Woods was taken to Harbor-U.C.L.A. where he was transferred to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, presenting serious leg injuries and undergoing surgery. 

County Sheriff Alex Villanueva stated “a cause has been determined, the investigation has concluded,” meaning a direct cause for the one-car accident has been determined, however, Tiger Woods and his personnel first need to consent and waive their privacy for the information to be released. 

So what are the possibilities of Tiger Woods’ recovery, will he pull through? “What you see here is the rod in the middle of the bone, here’s this fracture… believe it or not, it’s amazing, but with all this stuff in the guy’s leg, this area will heal, nature will heal it and you’ll be, you know pretty much as good as new,” orthopedic surgeon  Dr. Andrew Feldman said while analyzing a representation of Woods’ injury. 

According to Dr. Andrew Feldman, there is optimism towards Woods’ recovery, however, could these injuries affect his performance? There is no doubt these sustained injuries will hinder and damage Woods’ career and performance. Woods will be forced to take valuable time off from his career for rehabilitation.

Additionally, any athlete who experiences a severe injury normally does not play to their desired level post-injury.  If Woods does not make a full recovery and has to refrain from the sport or even retire, what does that mean for the  Professional Golfers Association (PGA)?

Tiger Woods is the most valuable golfer in terms of what he brings to golf viewership and ratings. There are many people who watch golf mainly for Tiger Woods, his abandonment of the sport would lose the PGA a detrimental amount of interest and profit in the sport. 

The great yearning for Woods’ recovery stems as the retirement of Woods would mean the sport of golf would lose an extremely distinguished and prolific athlete of theirs, who unfortunately ended his career not how he wanted.