Two-time U.S. Open champion Retief Goosen has been battling a back injury for over a year, hoping to avoid going under the knife to correct it.
Last week, Goosen had surgery and will be in out indefinitely while he recovers.
“I just wanted to update you on my back injury that has caused me a few problems recently,” Goosen wrote on his website on Aug. 23. “I met with my spinal consultant again last week and we decided that the best treatment was for me to have back surgery this week. The operation has gone well and I will now stay in (the) hospital for a few days before recuperating at home.”
The South African has been battling a degenerating L3‑L4 disc, with awkward bone growth happening in response. He had lost seven yards off the tee compared to just three years ago. He posted just two top-10 finishes this season, including at the RBC Canadian Open, where he said three-and-a-half weeks ago he was still consulting with doctors on options.
The 43-year-old did not qualify for the FedEx Cup playoffs, finishing 130th in the regular-season standings.
Goosen did not outline a timetable for his return, but did outline what he plans to do with his time off.
“I am looking forward to returning to the Tour fully fit,” Goosen said. “In the meantime, I plan to put my feet up, enjoy watching the golf on TV and relish the opportunity to spend more time with (wife) Tracy and my children.”
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