Tiger Woods says he is planning to return to action in October after missing over a year of competitive action. The 40-year-old has undergone multiple back surgeries over past year and has not competed since August 2015.
Tiger Woods says he is planning to return to action in October after missing over a year of competitive action. The 40-year-old has undergone multiple back surgeries over past year and has not competed since August 2015.
Darren Carroll/Getty Images
The 14-time major winner has a long history of injury problems. Here he has cream rubbed onto his back by caddy Steve Williams during the 2004 American Express Championship.
The 14-time major winner has a long history of injury problems. Here he has cream rubbed onto his back by caddy Steve Williams during the 2004 American Express Championship.
Andrew Redington/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Woods won the the U.S. Open in 2008 -- his last major victory to date. He missed tournament in July 2011, <a href="https://www.chinalucky8.com/2011/SPORT/golf/06/07/golf.tiger.usopen.injury/index.html">citing knee and Achilles tendon injuries</a>.
Woods won the the U.S. Open in 2008 -- his last major victory to date. He missed tournament in July 2011, citing knee and Achilles tendon injuries.
ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images
In October 2010, Woods appears dejected after losing a match to Lee Westwood and Luke Donald in the Ryder Cup teams competition in Wales. Later that month he lost his No. 1 ranking to Westwood, a position he had held for 281 consecutive weeks. He had taken a break from golf earlier that year after reports of marital infidelities emerged in late 2009.
In October 2010, Woods appears dejected after losing a match to Lee Westwood and Luke Donald in the Ryder Cup teams competition in Wales. Later that month he lost his No. 1 ranking to Westwood, a position he had held for 281 consecutive weeks. He had taken a break from golf earlier that year after reports of marital infidelities emerged in late 2009.
PETER MUHLY/AFP/Getty Images
Woods misses a putt at the Frys.com Open in October 2011. That month, he fell out of golf's top 50 for the first time in almost 15 years. Woods reportedly lost millions in endorsements after sponsors ended their ties with him in the wake of his sex scandal.
Woods misses a putt at the Frys.com Open in October 2011. That month, he fell out of golf's top 50 for the first time in almost 15 years. Woods reportedly lost millions in endorsements after sponsors ended their ties with him in the wake of his sex scandal.
Robert Laberge/Getty Images
Despite his problems, Woods remained a key attraction -- being invited to the 2011 Australian Open, where he finished third. That year he was the highest-paid American athlete on <a target="_blank" target="_blank">Sports Illustrated's "Fortunate 50" list</a>.
Despite his problems, Woods remained a key attraction -- being invited to the 2011 Australian Open, where he finished third. That year he was the highest-paid American athlete on Sports Illustrated's "Fortunate 50" list.
Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
In July 2011, Woods dropped Williams, his caddy of 12 years. "I want to express my deepest gratitude to Stevie for all his help, but I think it's time for a change," <a href="https://www.chinalucky8.com/2011/SPORT/golf/07/20/golf.woods.caddie.williams/index.html">Woods said</a>.
In July 2011, Woods dropped Williams, his caddy of 12 years. "I want to express my deepest gratitude to Stevie for all his help, but I think it's time for a change," Woods said.
David Cannon/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
After a nearly three-month break, Woods returned to golf at the Bridgestone Invitational in August 2011.
After a nearly three-month break, Woods returned to golf at the Bridgestone Invitational in August 2011.
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
In August 2011, Woods<a href="https://www.chinalucky8.com/2011/SPORT/golf/08/12/golf.pga.woods.cut/index.html"> failed to make the cut at the PGA Championship</a> for the first time in his career. He has won the season's closing major on four occasions, most recently in 2007.
In August 2011, Woods failed to make the cut at the PGA Championship for the first time in his career. He has won the season's closing major on four occasions, most recently in 2007.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
In October 2011, <a >Woods landed Rolex as a sponsor </a>despite not having won a major tournament in nearly two years. "Rolex is convinced that Tiger Woods still has a long career ahead of him," the high-end watchmaker said. The following month he played for the U.S. in the Presidents Cup in Melbourne, Australia.
In October 2011, Woods landed Rolex as a sponsor despite not having won a major tournament in nearly two years. "Rolex is convinced that Tiger Woods still has a long career ahead of him," the high-end watchmaker said. The following month he played for the U.S. in the Presidents Cup in Melbourne, Australia.
Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
In December 2011, Woods earned his first win in two years at the <a >Chevron World Challenge</a>, a charity tournament that he hosts which does not count on the PGA Tour money list.
In December 2011, Woods earned his first win in two years at the Chevron World Challenge, a charity tournament that he hosts which does not count on the PGA Tour money list.
Scott Halleran/Getty Images
Woods lines up his putt at the Honda Classic in March 2012. <a href="https://www.chinalucky8.com/2012/03/05/sport/golf/golf-mcilroy-augusta-woods">He shot a 62, his lowest final round as a professional</a>, but he tied for second in the PGA Tour event.
Woods lines up his putt at the Honda Classic in March 2012. He shot a 62, his lowest final round as a professional, but he tied for second in the PGA Tour event.
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Woods signs autographs at the<a > Arnold Palmer Invitational</a> in March 2012. His win there marked his first PGA Tour victory since September 2009.
Woods signs autographs at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March 2012. His win there marked his first PGA Tour victory since September 2009.
Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
Woods drops the ball on the 15th fairway during the final round of the AT&T National in July 2012. <a >He overtook Jack Nicklaus</a> for second place on the all-time PGA Tour victory list and now has 79 overall -- three behind Sam Snead's record.
Woods drops the ball on the 15th fairway during the final round of the AT&T National in July 2012. He overtook Jack Nicklaus for second place on the all-time PGA Tour victory list and now has 79 overall -- three behind Sam Snead's record.
Patrick McDermott/Getty Images
In 2012, Woods became the first PGA Tour player to earn $100 million when he finished third at the Deutsche Bank Championship, taking home more than $500,000.
In 2012, Woods became the first PGA Tour player to earn $100 million when he finished third at the Deutsche Bank Championship, taking home more than $500,000.
Warren Little/Getty Images
Woods hits his tee shot on the 12th hole during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in January 2013. <a >He lost his title the previous year as the world's top-paid athlete</a>, dropping to third place on <a >Sports Illustrated's "Fortunate 50" list</a>.
Woods hits his tee shot on the 12th hole during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in January 2013. He lost his title the previous year as the world's top-paid athlete, dropping to third place on Sports Illustrated's "Fortunate 50" list.
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
Woods holds the trophy for the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in January 2013, where he clinched his 75th PGA Tour title.
Woods holds the trophy for the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in January 2013, where he clinched his 75th PGA Tour title.
Donald Miralle/Getty Images
In March 2013, Woods and Lindsey Vonn announced <a >they were dating on Facebook</a>. In January that year, the champion skier had finalized her divorce from Thomas Vonn, after initializing proceedings in 2011. Woods split up with his wife, Elin Nordegren, in 2010 after admitting a series of infidelities. In May 2015, Woods and Vonn announced their breakup, with the golfer claiming he "hadn't slept" in the days following.
In March 2013, Woods and Lindsey Vonn announced they were dating on Facebook. In January that year, the champion skier had finalized her divorce from Thomas Vonn, after initializing proceedings in 2011. Woods split up with his wife, Elin Nordegren, in 2010 after admitting a series of infidelities. In May 2015, Woods and Vonn announced their breakup, with the golfer claiming he "hadn't slept" in the days following.
Courtesy Lindsey Vonn and Tiger Woods
In 2013, Woods regained the <a >No. 1 spot in world golf rankings</a> with a win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
In 2013, Woods regained the No. 1 spot in world golf rankings with a win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
Woods winces in pain after striking a tree root with his club after a shot from the rough in the final round of the 2015 Masters Tournament in April. He tied for 17th place.
Woods winces in pain after striking a tree root with his club after a shot from the rough in the final round of the 2015 Masters Tournament in April. He tied for 17th place.
David Cannon/Getty Images
Woods' best result of an injury-hit 2015 was a tie for 10th at August's Wyndham Championship -- his last appearance this season before having back surgery.
Woods' best result of an injury-hit 2015 was a tie for 10th at August's Wyndham Championship -- his last appearance this season before having back surgery.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
In July 2015, Woods missed the cut at the British Open for just the second time in his illustrious career.
In July 2015, Woods missed the cut at the British Open for just the second time in his illustrious career.
BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images
Woods throws his club in disgust following a shot from the rough during the first round of the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay in June, when he missed the halfway cut after rounds of 80 and 76.
Woods throws his club in disgust following a shot from the rough during the first round of the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay in June, when he missed the halfway cut after rounds of 80 and 76.
Harry How/Getty Images
Tiger Woods: From highs to lows

Story highlights

Woods to miss rest of year after back surgery

He had been due to return to action in October

Jason Day in control of FedEx Cup event

Europe leads U.S. in Solheim Cup

CNN  — 

Tiger Woods says he hopes to return to competitive golf in early 2016 following his second back operation in less than two years.

The former world No. 1 revealed he has had another microdiscectomy surgery after experiencing “occasional discomfort in the back and hip area” in recent weeks.

“With the upcoming offseason, the decision was made to remove a small disc fragment that was pinching his nerve,” said neurosurgeon Dr. Charles Rich, who performed the first procedure in March 2014.

“The microsurgery was a complete success, and he was discharged Thursday night,” Rich said in a statement on Woods’ website.

Woods had failed to qualify for the FedEx Cup playoffs but was expected to play in the season-opening Frys.com Open in October plus the Bridgestone America’s Golf Cup in Mexico City and his own Hero World Challenge charity tournament in the Bahamas, which he will still attend.

It raises doubts as to whether the 39-year-old will ever add to his record major tally of 14, having won his last in 2008.

“This is unfortunate, but these things happen,” Woods said. “I’ve been injured before and played again. It won’t be any different this time.”

Woods has struggled again this year, missing the halfway cut at three successive majors for the first time in his illustrious career.

He appeared to find some long-lost form when he finished 10th at the Wyndham Championship in August, his best result this season, but the American was ranked 178th in the FedEx Cup standings – well outside the top 125 who qualified for the first of the four playoff events.

scandinavia living golf spc c_00010301.jpg
scandinavia living golf spc c_00010301.jpg
video

Related video Stunning course boasts 24-hour tee times

scandinavia living golf spc a_00032724.jpg
scandinavia living golf spc a_00032724.jpg
video

Related video Carin Koch gears up for clash with U.S.

Woods’ friend Jason Day is on course to claim the world No. 1 ranking after matching the PGA Tour’s 36-hole record at the third of these tournaments, the BMW Championship.

The Australian, who won his first major at the PGA Championship and then triumphed at the first of the FedEx playoffs, the Barclays, followed up his opening 61 with a 63 Friday.

He slotted a 43-foot eagle putt in his final hole to take a five-shot lead, equaling the 18-under-par halfway tallies posted by Pat Perez at the 2009 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic and David Toms 2011 Crowne Plaza Invitational.

By winning his fourth title in six outings, Day would overtake current No. 1 Rory McIlroy – who was tied for ninth after two rounds – and No. 2 Jordan Spieth, who was seven shots back in equal fourth.

Meanwhile, Europe led 8-5 against the U.S. in the women’s Solheim Cup event after the second day in St. Leon-Rot, Germany.

Carin Koch’s team, seeking to win the title for the third successive time, extended its 5-3 advantage by winning three of Saturday’s four morning foursomes matches.

The Americans reduced the deficit when Lexi Thompson and Cristie Kerr beat Azahara Munoz and Carlota Ciganda 3 & 2 in the only afternoon fourballs match to be completed.

The U.S. also led two of the other three matches when play was halted due to darkness, setting up an intriguing final day which will also feature 12 singles clashes.

Read: Americans to tone down ‘cheerleading’

Will Tiger win another major? Tell us on CNN Sport’s Facebook page