Claire Dawson
Tiger Woods is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time. In February 2021, Woods was hospitalized following a single-vehicle collision in California. He suffered multiple leg injuries and underwent emergency surgery. Woods was reported to be awake, responsive, and recovering in his hospital room. He was later transferred to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles to continue his recovery. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident. Woods has faced several health setbacks throughout his career, including multiple back surgeries. Despite these challenges, he has achieved remarkable success in golf, with 82 PGA Tour wins and 15 professional major golf championships.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | 45 years |
| Hospital | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, California |
| Condition | Stable |
| Injuries | Multiple and significant fractures in lower right leg, ankle and foot |
| Surgery | Emergency surgery to repair compound fractures in the right leg and a shattered ankle |
| Recovery | Recovering at home |
| Achievements | 15 professional major golf championships, 82 PGA Tour wins, 18 World Golf Championships, Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019 |
| Net worth | Over $1 billion |
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What You'll Learn
Tiger Woods' car crash in February 2021
On February 23, 2021, Tiger Woods was involved in a single-vehicle accident in California. The golfer suffered serious leg injuries in the accident and had to be extracted from the car using an ax and other tools. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Woods was traveling on the border of Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes when the crash took place at around 7 a.m. local time. His vehicle flipped over several times, causing "major damage" and leaving Woods with multiple leg injuries, including a shattered ankle and two fractures, one of which was a compound fracture.
Woods was first discovered by a neighborhood man who said the golfer was unconscious after the crash. However, first responders stated that Woods was alert when they arrived at the scene. He was taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center by ambulance and underwent surgery for his injuries. Two days later, he was transferred to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles for continuing orthopedic care and recovery.
Woods' manager told Golf Digest that he "suffered multiple leg injuries." During a press conference, authorities noted that Woods was conscious when first responders arrived and that there was no evidence of impairment. Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva added that the crash was purely an accident and that Woods would not be charged with reckless driving.
In March 2021, Woods was reported to be "resting comfortably" and "in good spirits" while continuing his recovery. By December 2021, less than a year after the accident, Woods made a return to the golf course, announcing his participation in the PNC Championship. However, the crash and its aftermath have continued to affect his career, with Woods undergoing additional health setbacks in 2025.
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Woods' injuries and surgeries
Tiger Woods is one of the greatest golfers of all time and is one of the most famous athletes globally. Woods has had his fair share of injuries and surgeries throughout his career.
In 2008, Woods underwent reconstructive surgery on his damaged ACL and missed the rest of the 2008 season. He also suffered a double stress fracture in his left tibia while preparing for the U.S. Open. In 2010, he tore his right Achilles tendon, an injury that resurfaced several times in 2009. In March 2014, Woods withdrew from the Honda Classic due to back issues, marking the beginning of a challenging year of back problems. He underwent back surgery in April 2014 and again in September 2015. In 2015, Woods announced that he had a second microdiscectomy to remove a small disc fragment pinching his nerve. In 2017, Woods underwent neck surgery.
In February 2021, Woods was hospitalized after a serious car accident and underwent emergency surgery to repair compound fractures in his right leg and a shattered ankle. He underwent a follow-up procedure a few days later. In March 2025, Woods ruptured his left Achilles tendon while training at home and underwent surgery. He is expected to make a full recovery.
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His recovery in hospital and at home
Tiger Woods has experienced a number of health setbacks in recent years, including several surgeries for injuries sustained in car crashes and during sporting activities. In February 2021, Woods was involved in a serious single-vehicle car crash in California, which resulted in significant injuries to his lower right leg, ankle, and foot. He was rushed to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery and was later transferred to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for further treatment and recovery. During this time, Woods received an outpouring of support from fans, fellow athletes, and friends, including fellow golfer Rory McIlroy.
Following the crash, Woods suffered multiple and significant fractures, including comminuted open fractures in the tibia and fibula bones, which required the insertion of a rod for stabilization. He also sustained injuries to his foot and ankle, which were stabilized with screws and pins. Despite the severity of the crash and his injuries, Woods was reported to be awake, responsive, and recovering in his hospital room. Authorities conducted an investigation into the cause of the accident, but Woods was not expected to face any criminal charges.
After spending time in the hospital, Woods was released and continued his recovery at home. In a statement, Woods expressed his gratitude for the support he received and shared his focus on rehabilitation. He also thanked the medical professionals at both Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for their care. Woods' friend and fellow golfer, Rory McIlroy, provided updates on his condition, stating that Woods was "doing better" and was eager to see his family and children.
Woods has experienced several health setbacks throughout his career, including multiple back surgeries and a previous car crash in 2017, which resulted in a charge of driving under the influence. Despite these challenges, Woods has demonstrated resilience and a commitment to his recovery. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time and has achieved numerous accolades and records in the sport.
At the time of his most recent health setback in March 2025, Woods underwent surgery for a ruptured left Achilles tendon, which he injured while training at home. His doctor expressed confidence in a full recovery, and Woods shared his plans to focus on rehabilitation. While it is unclear how long his recovery will take, Woods' determination and previous comebacks serve as a testament to his dedication and resilience.
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Woods' history of health setbacks
Tiger Woods has had a long history of health setbacks, dating back to the early years of his career. In December 1994, the golfer had surgery to remove two benign tumours and scar tissue from his left knee. In 2002, he underwent another procedure on his left knee to remove a benign cyst and drain fluid. Despite these setbacks, Woods went on to have a standout season in 2006, winning eight PGA Tour titles, two majors, and ten top-five finishes in 15 starts.
However, his injury woes continued, and in 2007, he suffered a muscle injury in his left shoulder blade, followed by a ruptured ACL in his left knee in 2008. That same year, he also sustained a double stress fracture in his left tibia and a torn right Achilles tendon. Woods underwent ACL reconstructive surgery and missed the remainder of the 2008 season. He also experienced neck injuries and continued issues with his knees and Achilles tendons in the following years.
In 2011, Woods suffered a mild MCL sprain and a left Achilles tendon strain during the Masters, yet still managed to tie for fourth place. In 2014, he underwent microdiscectomy surgery for nerve impingement in his lower back, marking his sixth back surgery. In 2017, Woods underwent another back surgery to alleviate ongoing pain, and in 2019, he had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee for the fifth time.
More recently, in 2021, Woods was involved in a serious car crash in Southern California, resulting in multiple fractures in his lower right leg and requiring emergency surgery. He underwent another back procedure in December of that year and his sixth back surgery in September 2024. In March 2025, Woods ruptured his left Achilles tendon during training, requiring surgery once again.
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Fellow athletes' reactions to the crash
In February 2021, Tiger Woods was hospitalized in serious but stable condition following a single-car collision in Los Angeles. The golf legend sustained multiple leg injuries and underwent emergency surgery.
Fellow athletes and other notable figures took to social media to express their concern and send their well wishes to Woods. Many offered their thoughts and prayers to Woods and his family during this difficult time. Here are some of their reactions:
> "Barbara and I just heard about Tiger's accident, and like everyone else, we are deeply concerned. We want to offer him our heartfelt support and prayers at this difficult time. Please join us in wishing Tiger a successful surgery and all the best for a full recovery." – Jack Nicklaus
> "We are all pulling for you, Tiger. We are so sorry that you and your family are going through this tough time. Everyone hopes and prays for your full and speedy recovery." – Phil Mickelson
> "Prayers up for the GOAT @TigerWoods who was in an accident this morning. Was just with him yesterday. Don't take not even a MOMENT for granted! I know you're good because your Tiger within is a beast!!!" – New England Patriots football wide receiver Julian Edelman
> "Sick to my stomach right now. Praying for @TigerWoods and hoping for an amazing recovery. Thinking about his entire family and team, as all of us are sending our best wishes. We know TW is a fighter. Get well soon 🐅!!!" – Justin Thomas
> "Praying for my brother @TigerWoods as we all anxiously await more news. Love you big brother ... but we will get through this @TigerWoods." – Retired Major League Baseball player Alex Rodriguez
> "When I saw the condition of his car, for me, I just hoped that he’s OK, that’s the biggest reaction really. Also a little bit of shock because we had something crazy happen in our sports world last year with Kobe (Bryant). I wouldn’t say that dramatic of feelings, but you just hope Tiger is all right." – Retired U.S. Olympic skier and former Woods girlfriend Lindsey Vonn
> "Prayers up for Tiger Woods." – Trevor Immelman
> "We praying for you @TigerWoods bounce back champ! 🙏🏾" – Reggie Bush
> "Prayers for @TigerWoods." – Michael Phelps
> "Saying prayers for Tiger Woods 🙏🏾🙏🏼" – Cher
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, who was preparing to defend Woods' Players Championship title at TPC Sawgrass, also paid tribute to the absent golfer, saying:
> "One player the world will miss this week is our two-time Players champion Tiger Woods. [...] At this moment, our thoughts continue to be with Tiger and his family as he begins his journey towards recovery. [...] He wants everybody to know, all of our players, all of our staff, the sports world at large, the world at large that the outpouring of love and support has meant a lot to him and has been so important as he recovers from his injuries."
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Frequently asked questions
Tiger Woods was hospitalized in serious but stable condition after a single-car collision in California. He suffered multiple leg injuries and underwent surgery to repair compound fractures in his right leg and ankle. Woods was awake, responsive, and recovering in his hospital room.
Tiger Woods suffered "significant orthopedic injuries to his right lower extremity". He had comminuted open fractures in the tibia and fibula bones, which were stabilized by inserting a rod into the tibia. Woods also had screws and pins put into his foot and ankle to stabilize those injuries.
Tiger Woods is currently recovering at home after being discharged from the hospital. He released a statement on Twitter, expressing gratitude for the support he received and stating that he is "back home and continuing my recovery."
Yes, Tiger Woods has had a history of health issues, particularly with his back. He has undergone multiple back surgeries, including microdecompression surgery of the lumbar spine for nerve impingement in 2004. In 2017, he was also arrested for driving under the influence, which he attributed to prescribed medication.
