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Is Tiger Woods OK after scary car crash? Golf legend's right-leg surgery makes fans wonder if he will 'retire'

Orthopaedic trauma specialists at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center said Tiger Woods is 'recovering' after surgery

Tiger Woods' Twitter account released a statement on Tuesday, February 23 after the legendary gold player underwent multiple leg surgeries following a roll-over car crash on February 23, saying he is currently "awake, responsive and recovering" in his hospital room.

"We thank everyone for the overwhelming support and messages during this tough time. As previously communicated, Tiger was involved in a single-car accident earlier this morning in California. He has undergone a long surgical procedure on his lower gith leg and ankle after being brought to the hospital," the statement read, which also contained a quote from his doctor.

"Mr. Woods suffered significant orthopaedic injuries to his right lower extremity that were treated during emergency surgery by Orthopaedic trauma specialists at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, a level 1 trauma center,” said Dr Anish Mahajan, MD, CMO and interim CEO at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. “Comminuted open fractures affecting both the upper and lower portions of the tibia and fibula bones were stabilized by inserting a rod into the tibia. Additional injuries to the bones of the foot and ankle were stabilized with a combination of screws and pins. Trauma to the muscle and soft-tissue of the leg required surgical release of the covering of the muscles to relieve pressure due to swelling.”

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Authorities said ‘no evidence’ of impairment at the time of the crash. Twitter was flooded with tweets, wishing him speedy recovery. Many agreed that the 45-year-old World Gold Hall of fame elect should just be allowed to retire. "Just let him retire. All these positive comeback vibes are going to give him a complex while he nearly kills himself trying to live up to the expectations, said a tweet.

Some blamed his car for being the villain. "Tiger Woods living through that wreck is a testament to the safety of the @GenesisUSA products and I am now sold on the line even if I was skeptical at first. Korean luxury don’t play on the safety. I’m sure they’ll study this wreck and find ways to improve it more too," said a tweet. Genesis is a luxury brand sold by Korean automaker Hyundai, which has earned praise for its reliability and craftsmanship, according to USA Today. Others blamed him still for earlier reports on alleged DUI. "He needs a driver. His "driving" is not so good," said a tweet.

Fans are also looking forward for Woods to return to the field. "For anyone that thinks @TigerWoods is going to retire or stop playing competitive golf, maybe that’s the case because his family is his top priority; true. But that competitive drive will still be around, and he’ll feel the urge to satisfy that drive. He’ll be back. #Comeback2022," said Twitter user. Others atrributed the eerie similarity of his accident to that of gold legend Ben Hogan's, who made a comeback after a Greyhound bus smashed into his black Cadillac while he was driving, and went on to win six more majors. "But he is Tiger Woods, he will make a comeback. Hogan did," said a tweet. "You’re one win away to break the record! Heal up and get after it!" said another.