Tiger Woods confirms devastating injury setback with golf legend undergoing surgery

Tiger Woods was hoping to ramp up his preparations for major season, but the 15-time champion is now set for an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious injury

Tiger Woods is set for an extended spell out of golf after confirming he has ruptured his Achilles.

The 15-time major champion was hoping to return to competitive action ahead of the Masters next month, but is now set for a length period of recovery.

Woods released a statement on social media which read: "As I began to ramp up my own training and practice at home, I felt a sharp pain in my left Achilles, which was deemed to be ruptured.

"This morning, Dr. Charlton Stucken of Hospital for Special Surgery in West Palm Beach, Florida performed a minimally-invasive Achilles tendon repair for a ruptured tendon.

"The surgery went smoothly, and we expect a full recovery," added Dr. Stucken. I am back home now and plan to focus on my recovery and rehab, thank you for all the support."

Woods has not competed on the PGA Tour since last summer's Open Championship at Royal Troon, where he missed the cut. That came after failing to make the cut at both the US Open and PGA Championship.

He did make the weekend at the Masters, keeping up a run which has seen him do so every year he has competed since 1996.

There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.

Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story.

Follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, Twitter, Facebook or visit The Mirror homepage.