Tiger Woods’ Recurring Back Problems Cause Him to Drop Out of the Honda Classic

Tiger Woods withdrew from the Honda Classic on Sunday after experiencing a recurrence of back issues that plagued him near the end of the 2013 PGA Tour season. In recent years, Woods has suffered from one injury after another, including knee surgery in 2008 and an Achilles issue in 2010 and 2011, to an elbow injury this past 2013 season. (USA Today, Tiger Woods withdraws at Honda, March 3, 2014)

According to ESPN, it was clear something was amiss as Woods struggled to hit good shots and was seen stretching his back several times. He played the front in 40 and was 5 over for his round after four bogeys, a double bogey and just one birdie. He made four straight pars on the back nine before deciding to leave. (Tiger Woods withdraws from Honda Classic: ESPN, March 3, 2014).

While back injuries are currently holding him back, Woods has already had a stellar career and doesn’t necessarily need the income from competition. As a top athlete, he has earned enough in his lifetime to cover the expenses a disabling injury might bring, and most likely has a top notch disability insurance policy to protect future earnings and endorsements. As we look at golfers and other professional athletes who haven’t attained the same earnings, are they covered?

“Woods did the smart thing and backed out before he made his back injury worse,” comments Frank N. Darras, disability insurance lawyer to the pros. “Back, elbow and shoulder injuries are common so golfers know what to expect when they play hurt. Disability insurance is a must for all golfers to cover the likelihood of a serious injury. Not only would a disability insurance policy cover the loss of income from competitions but the benefits would pay for most living expenses until the athlete could compete again and protect their endorsement income.”

Tiger Woods may be one of the exceptions when it comes to income and earnings but even he is susceptible to injury. Back problems are fairly common in golf due to the rotational movement when swinging the club and elbow and shoulder injuries are also frequently seen among golfers.

“Tiger Woods has been a household name for decades now due to his record-breaking career as a golfer. I hope he is able to overcome his back injury and return to golf, healed and ready to win more championships. I recommend all golfers speak with an expert in the disability field to ensure they buy or have a bullet proof individual policy,” says Darras.