"‘His Biggest Challenge: Walking’ – Tiger Woods’ Close Friend Reveals Concerning Update on Golf Legend's Battle to Revive His Career"

TIGER WOODS is battling fresh fears over his future after undergoing yet another major back operation.

The icon’s close friend is warning that he’s struggling just to walk the course in his latest battle for fitness.

Tiger Woods continues to fight through the pain in his back to playCredit: Getty Woods and Notah Begay III have been friends since their junior golf daysCredit: AFP

The 15-time major champ hasn’t teed it up on the since the 2024 Open at Royal Troon and while fans are clinging to hopes of a comeback, one of Woods’ longest-time confidants says the clock may finally be running out.

Notah Begay III, who has known Tiger since their junior-golf days – revealed on the Straight Facts Homie podcast that the 49-year-old’s biggest hurdle isn’t his swing… it’s simply getting around 18 holes on foot.

His worrying admission comes only weeks after replaced in a second back procedure in just over a year.

According to Begay, there are two possible tournaments where Tiger could tentatively return but neither offers much comfort.

He says Woods might eye the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth or the RBC Heritage at Hilton Head.

The choice is not because he has any there but because the courses are flat enough for him to have a fighting chance of surviving 72 holes.

Begay revealed: “The biggest problem is the walking. That’s it.

“He hits it great… ball speeds of 175-180, totally fine for the PGA Tour. But can he walk 72 holes plus a pro-am? I don’t know. That’s the big question.”

Woods has undergone two surgeries on his back roughly within the past yearCredit: Reuters

Woods has only played Colonial once and never set foot in Hilton Head, but geography may now matter more than trophies.

And despite the pain, Begay says he knows exactly why Tiger is pushing so hard to return, he’s still chasing win No. 83, the record that would finally put him ahead of Sam Snead as the most decorated PGA Tour winner of all time.

If his walking issues persist, though, Begay admits there’s another route fans may secretly be hoping for, the Champions Tour, where players can ride in carts.

Woods could also an emotional Masters return in April with the Heritage following the week after.

For now, he’s been spotted in clips shared to social media, but a concrete comeback date remains unknown.

Sam Snead is regarded as the greatest of all time in golfCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd