Golf legend Tiger Woods has confirmed a significant setback in his career, revealing that he has ruptured his Achilles and will be absent from the sport for an extended period. The 15-time major winner had been preparing for a comeback ahead of next month's Masters but is now facing a lengthy recovery process. In a statement shared on social media, Woods explained: "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."

He underwent a minimally-invasive Achilles tendon repair for the ruptured tendon at the Hospital for Special Surgery in West Palm Beach, Florida, performed by Dr. Charlton Stucken. "The surgery went smoothly, and we expect a full recovery," added Dr. Stucken.

Woods expressed his gratitude for the support and stated his intention to focus on his recovery and rehabilitation.

Woods has not played on the PGA Tour since last summer's Open Championship at Royal Troon, where he did not make the cut. This followed unsuccessful attempts at the US Open and PGA Championship.

However, he did compete at the Masters, maintaining a streak of making the weekend every year he has competed since 1996. After the Open in Scotland, he underwent surgery for nerve impingement on his lower back, marking his tenth such procedure in a decade.

Woods was slated to make a comeback last month as the host of the Genesis Invitational, but he withdrew on the eve of the tournament due to the loss of his mother. He has since made appearances in the TGL and confessed last week that he hasn't been able to fully commit to practice.

"This is the third time I've touched a club since my mom passed, so I haven't really got into it. My heart is really not into practicing right now," he admitted.

The 49-year-old also hinted that his role on the PGA Tour's policy board has been occupying his attention. "I've had so many other things to do with the Tour and trying to do other things," he said.

"Once I start probably feeling a little bit better and start getting into it, I'll start looking at the schedule."

There were expectations that he would participate in this weekend's Players' Championship, but it now seems likely that he will miss all four majors. The Masters, which kicks off on April 10, is the first major of the year, followed by the Open three months later.

This article first appeared on The Mirror.