Did Tiger Woods almost lose his leg? Golfer’s car accident and injury explained amid Masters 2022 return

Golf fans are already getting excited about the return of Tiger Woods for this year’s Masters Tournament.

Woods is finally set to return after a serious car crash in early last year ruled him out for around 14 months in all, with his last competitive tournament coming 17 months ago.

The 46-year-old played a practice round on Wednesday and was spotted limping at times, but he remains determined to play through the issues to make his comeback at the Masters on Thursday.

And as Woods prepares to return to competitive action, let’s take a look at what happened with his crash last year.

Tiger Woods car accident

On February 23, 2021, Woods was involved in a serious car crash in Rancho Palos Verdes, California.

The crash was a single-vehicle collision, with Woods the only person involved, but the car is said to have rolled.

The Genesis GB80, an SUV, that Woods was driving was destroyed on the front end, but the interior of the vehicle is said to have remained intact.

A Los Angeles sherrif said that the safety features on the vehicle probably saved his life, or at the very least prevented far more traumatic injuries.

Tiger Woods leg injury

Woods suffered compound fractures in both legs and required surgery to treat what were described as ‘non life-threatening injuries’.

The worst of the injuries were in his lower right leg and foot, which have been corrected with the help of metal plates.

The 46-year-old golf star is said to have no recollection of the crash

Legal issues

The crash was under investigation from the Los Angeles County Sherriff’s department, but no charges were brought.

That was despite Woods driving at more than 80mph, around twice the legal limit for the area.

With no one else involved or harmed by the incident, Woods was not brought up on charges.

Tiger Woods comeback

Woods is now preparing to return to action after 14 months out, and he is determined he can do more than compete at this year’s Masters.

“I do,” he replied when asked if he believes he can win in Augusta.

“I can hit it just fine. I don’t have any qualms about what I can do from a golf standpoint. It’s now walking is the hard part. This is normally not an easy walk to begin with.

“Now given the conditions that my leg is in, it gets even more difficult. You know, 72 holes is a long road. It’s going to be a tough challenge and a challenge that I’m up for.

“I think that the fact that I was able to get myself here to this point is a success. Now that I am playing, everything is focused on: ‘How do I get myself into the position where I’m on that back nine on Sunday with a chance?’ Just like I did a few years ago.”