Tiger Woods is not okay, and there are many reasons for us to think that. The 15-time major winner has just undergone emergency surgery for a ruptured Achilles, sustained while training at home. This latest injury is a devastating blow to Woods’s hopes of competing in the Masters, an event he has only missed four times since his debut in 1995. Woods himself described the moment of injury on X, saying, “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.”

Woods underwent a minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair, and his doctor, Dr. Charlton Stucken, expects a full recovery. This latest setback is just another chapter in Woods’ long history of injury struggles, which have included a torn right Achilles in 2008, as well as knee and back problems. Despite these challenges, Woods remains determined to return to the sport he loves and has been participating in the tech-infused golf league he launched with Rory McIlroy.

But, in a recent interview, Woods admitted that his heart wasn’t in practicing right now, saying, “Once I start probably feeling a little bit better and start getting into it, I’ll start looking at the schedule.” To make matters worse, Woods has been struggling to regain his form after a long layoff, having not played an individual event since missing the cut at the Open Championship last summer. Well, his good friend and co-founder of TGL has finally spoken his mind on Woods’ notable absence.

Rory McIlroy expressed his disappointment and concern for Woods, saying, “Yeah. It sucks. Yeah, he doesn’t have much luck when it comes to injuries and his body. Obviously he was trying to ramp up to get ready for Augusta, and Achilles surgeries obviously aren’t fun…. Hoping he’s in good spirits and hoping he’s doing okay. We obviously won’t see him play golf this year, and hopefully, we see him maybe play in 2026.”

McIlroy’s words echo the sentiments of the golfing world, which is rooting for Woods’s recovery and eventual return to the sport he loves. Well, amid his concerns for the GOAT, McIlroy hinted at something that none of us were ready for.

Rory McIlroy opens up on his own golfing mortality

Speaking to the media at TPC Sawgrass ahead of the Players Championship, McIlroy shared his thoughts on Tiger Woods‘ latest injury, as we noted earlier; however, the conversation took a surprising turn when McIlroy began to reflect on his own golfing mortality. Despite being just 35 years old and ranked No. 2 in the world, McIlroy made it clear that he has no intention of clinging to his golfing career when his time is up.

McIlroy emphasized that he’ll know it’s time to retire when he’s achieved everything he’s wanted and can no longer compete at the highest level. “I’d like to walk away with a little bit left in the tank. I don’t want to be out there embarrassing myself,” he said. This statement reveals McIlroy’s desire to maintain his dignity and avoid becoming a shadow of his former self. McIlroy also made it clear that he has no interest in competing on the PGA Champions Tour, saying, “Absolutely not… Something has went terribly wrong if I have to compete at golf at 50.” It’s a refreshingly honest perspective from one of golf’s biggest stars and a reminder that even the greatest careers must eventually come to an end. How do you feel about this announcement? Let us know in the comment section below!