Tiger Woods raises fresh retirement concerns with return date unclear ahead of 2025 Masters
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Tiger Woods has refused to commit to a target return date next year as he continues to recover from his sixth back surgery.
The 15-time major champion underwent another back operation in September, which has prevented him from competing at this month's Hero World Challenge.
Woods revealed at the time that the surgery 'went smoothly' and was done in a bid to put a stop to his back spasms.
It was reported that a rough recovery time for Woods' operation was put at eight to 12 weeks.
Tiger Woods isn't sure when he will return
GETTY
That would put Woods in line to make a return in 2025 ahead of the Masters.
However, the 48-year-old is refusing to reveal a specific date he has in mind for his competitive return.
When asked whether he has a target for his return, Woods said: "I don't. I really don't.
"I'm just progressively trying to test it, keep making progress without setting it off. I don't want to have any setbacks.
"I've got a long way to go to compete against these guys.
"I am disappointed. I'm not physically ready yet to compete at this level.
"I still need to keep training to give myself the best chance into next year and the events ahead."
Woods went on to concede that father time is beginning to take its toll on his body as he's finding the recovery process tougher and tougher.
Tiger Woods underwent his sixth back surgery in September
GETTY"The fire still burns to compete," he added.
"The difference is the recovery of the body to do it is not what it used to be.
"I still love doing it, I love competing whether it's cards or golf, I love competing.
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Tiger Woods last played at The Open Championship this summer
Getty"As far as the recovery process of doing it again and again and again, for some reason the body won't recover like it used to.
"That's part of age and part of an athlete's journey."
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