SAD NEWS🔴 Phil Mickelson and Golf Fans Heartbroken, Shed Tears, and Pray for Legend Tiger Woods After This Heartbreaking Announcement…👇
A wave of sorrow swept through the golf community today as Tiger Woods announced he will not return to competitive play in 2025, citing ongoing complications from a severe Achilles injury sustained earlier this year. The 15-time major champion shared the devastating news on X just hours after the Zurich Classic 2025 concluded, prompting an outpouring of grief from fans and players, including Phil Mickelson, who called Woods “the greatest I’ve ever played against.” With the sport already missing Woods’ presence, this latest setback has left the golf world in tears, praying for the icon’s recovery.
Woods, 49, revealed on March 12 that he underwent surgery to repair a ruptured left Achilles tendon, an injury incurred while intensifying his training for the Masters. Initially, there was hope he might return for late-season events, but today’s announcement dashed those expectations. “My recovery has hit some unexpected hurdles,” Woods wrote on X. “I won’t be able to compete this year, but I’m working hard to return in 2026.” The news follows Woods’ absence from the Masters earlier this month—his first missed appearance since 1994—and comes amidst personal challenges, including the recent passing of his mother, Kultida Woods, in February, which he cited as a reason for skipping the Champions Dinner at Augusta.
Phil Mickelson, Woods’ longtime rival and a six-time major winner, was visibly emotional when addressing the announcement during a LIV Golf event in Singapore. “Tiger’s the greatest I’ve ever played against,” Mickelson said, his voice trembling. “We’ve had our battles, but to see him go through this—it’s heartbreaking. I’m praying for him, and I know he’ll fight back like he always has.” Mickelson, 54, reflected on their iconic duels, including the 2001 Masters and the 2018 Tour Championship, where Woods edged him out for the title. “Golf needs Tiger,” he added. “We all do.”
Fans echoed Mickelson’s sentiments, flooding social media with messages of support. One X user wrote, “Tiger Woods out for 2025? I’m crying—he’s the reason I started playing golf.” Another posted, “Phil’s words hit hard. Praying for Tiger to come back stronger.” Woods’ injury history has been well-documented: a 2021 car crash nearly cost him his leg, and subsequent back surgeries have limited his play. His last competitive outing was The Open in July 2024, where he missed the cut, and his absence at the Masters—where he has won five times—already left a void felt deeply by the sport.
The timing of Woods’ announcement coincided with the conclusion of the Zurich Classic 2025, where rookies Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Velo claimed victory at 22-under, edging out Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry in a dramatic team play-off. Yet, even their triumph was overshadowed by the news of Woods’ prolonged absence. McIlroy, who has often cited Woods as his inspiration, said earlier this week, “Tiger’s a fighter—I believe in him.” Jack Nicklaus also expressed optimism, noting recently that Woods could dominate the PGA Tour Champions when he turns 50 in December. For now, though, the golf world unites in support of Woods, hoping the legend can defy the odds once more.
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