Tiger Woods’s last appearance came at The Open this year. After missing the cut there on Friday, he confirmed that the next events on his schedule for the year were the Hero World Challenge and the PNC Championship alongside his son Charlie Woods in December. But now that plan may have just changed. After all, Woods did just undergo a major surgery!

The 15-time major winner is no stranger to back issues and major surgeries, and throughout the year (and for the past few years, in fact) he had been complaining of back pain and spasms. On Friday, the 13 he announced that he had undergone “a microdecompression surgery of the lumbar spine for nerve impingement in the lower back.”

This surgery, in particular, addresses pain in the legs caused by pressure on the spine’s nerves. It also treats slipped discs, sciatica, and spinal injuries. It can be done in one of three ways, however, it’s unclear which method was for Woods. Regardless, the announcement made certain that the surgery was successful, and that Woods was looking forward to his rehabilitation and returning to normal life, “including golf”! So when will that be?

When will we see Tiger Woods play next?

Fret not, golf fan, because according to multiple sources, the recovery time for the lumbar decompression surgery is quite quick and realistically, we just may see the legend tee up this December. A patient typically can start walking the day after the surgery and can leave the hospital anytime between 1 to 4 days, depending on the fitness and mobility of the patient. Woods, of course, is an elite-level athlete who’s always on top of his fitness, which would mean he could go home sooner rather than later.

That being said, he will still have to avoid strenuous activities for a month and a half, as this could delay the recovery process of the body. So, ideally, Woods will not be able to hit balls or do any heavy workouts until November. Doctors also opine that a patient may be able to return to work after 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery but would need a longer recovery period if the patient needs to drive for long hours or lift heavy objects. These activities engage the lower back muscles and cause strains hampering the patient’s recovery.

Over time, Woods has changed his swing to not be too stressful for his back due to his aging body. However, even post those changes, it will be wise for him to take things slow. The Hero World Challenge tees off on December 5, which is less than 3 months from now, leaving Woods with just a month or slightly more of rehab. So he can play there. And at the PNC, but should or will he? We’ll find out soon enough!