Tiger Woods announced Friday that he underwent surgery to repair a nerve impingement in his lower back.

Woods, 48, has not played competitive golf since missing the cut at the Open Championship in July.

“The surgery went smoothly, and I’m hopeful this will help alleviate the back spasms and pain I was experiencing throughout most of the 2024 season,” the 15-time major champion wrote in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. “I look forward to tackling this rehab and preparing myself to get back to normal life activities, including golf.”

Per Woods, Dr. Sheeraz Qureshi of Hospital for Special Surgery in West Palm Beach, Fla. performed the surgery.

Woods made his first start of the season in February at the Genesis Invitational, his foundation’s tournament, but had to withdraw early in his second round due to illness.

Woods made the cut at the Masters — for a record-breaking 24th straight start — but finished last among the 60 golfers who played the weekend. Then came missed cuts at the PGA Championship, U.S. Open and The Open, where he never shot a round of par or better.

-Reuters

Golf and Country Club, Africa’s most prestigious golf destination is taking the  golf in Nigeria to a higher level by rolling out the IBB Golf Classic, a new premium tournament.

In a show of commitment to promoting the sport of golf and fostering community engagement, the Executive Committee of the IBB Golf Club paid a special visit to General Ibrahim Babangida, former Nigerian President and Life Patron of the Club.

General Ibrahim Babangida applauded the superb management of IBB Golf Club, the relentless pursuit of golfing excellence and its demonstrable commitment to boosting Nigeria’s profile through golf.

During the visit, the Exco members pledged to host the prestigious Ibb Golf Tournament Classic, marking a significant step in the club’s efforts to elevate the profile of golf in the region.

The visit was led by the President of the Golf Club, Ibrahim Babayo, Vice Captain Dr. James Agbonhese, and the female Captain Dame Julie Donli.

The Exco members expressed their dedication to organizing the IBB Golf Classic, a world-class golf tournament that would foster community comradeship and attract participants and spectators from far and wide.

The Club Captain Ibrahim Babayo emphasized the club’s determination to showcase the talent and passion for golf within the region. He commended General Ibrahim Babangida for his visionary leadership, strategic thinking and nationalistic foresight in establishing the IBB Golf Club in 1987.

IBB International Golf and Country Club course is an 18-hole course covering about 101 Hectares (1,000,740m2) of land, located at the choice Aso drive area of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.

Within the course is a driving range, putting green and practice bunkers with a handful of professional golfers and trainers at the service of the members.

The EXCO pledged to uphold the high standards of the Club and stated that: “At IBB International Golf and Country Club, we take pride in providing the luxury and ambiance deserving of our distinguished members. We are also determined to take the game of golf to the grassroots so the game is accessible to more Nigerians.”

General Ibrahim Babangida commended the IBB Golf Club for its proactive approach to promoting golf and expressed his support for the upcoming tournament. He emphasized the positive impact of such events on the local community, stating, “The IBB Golf Tournament Classic will not only elevate the status of the sport in our region but also contribute to the overall growth and development of our community.”

Ibrahim Babayo has been elected as the new Captain of the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja. This appointment comes at a pivotal time for the club, as it aims to elevate its status to a global level and make significant strides in the world of golf.

In his new role, Ibrahim Babayo has expressed his commitment to bringing the IBB Golf Club to a global level. He aims to position the prestigious club as a key player in the international golfing community, showcasing the talent and potential that Nigeria and Africa have to offer in the world of golf.

This vision aligns with the club’s ambition to put Nigeria and Africa on the global golfing map.

In his inaugural address, Captain Babayo pledged to create an unforgettable experience for partners and sponsors, “as we take Nigerian golf and IBB Golf Club to unprecedented levels. I trust believe that the game of golf can be used to write a new Nigerian story. And IBB Golf Club will be at the vanguard of this historic ascend. “

Captain Babayo also pledged to diversify the club’s income streams to both private and public sectors to improve infrastructure and service quality. “We recognize the need to diversify our revenue streams beyond membership fees to enhance the quality of our infrastructure, facilities and services,” he said.

Another item on the new Captain’s agenda, is enhancing hygiene standards and implementing stringent environmental regulations within the club’s premises.

He implored the support of all stakeholders in making the Club a truly global golf brand name He pledged “…to serve with integrity, diligence, and unwavering dedication. Together, let us chart a new course towards a prosperous future for our beloved IBB International Golf and Country Club.”

Captain Babayo brings a wealth of experience to his new role, holding degrees in Estate Management from Kaduna Polytechnic and Yaba College of Technology. He is a distinguished member of the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) and the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).

As the founder and CEO of Cosmopolitan Cleaners Limited and the Former Chairman, Premium Pension Ltd. Babayo has demonstrated his commitment to driving positive change.

Joining Captain Babayo are newly elected committee members: James Eromosele Agbonhese as Vice Captain, Dame Julie Donli OON as Lady Captain, Bolarin Aliyu-Faniyan as Honorary Secretary, Gabriel O. Aremu as Honorary Treasurer, and Dr. Olarewaju Phillips, Social and Welfare officer.

IBB Golf and Country Club, located in the heart of Nigeria, has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to promoting the country’s culture, heritage, and sporting excellence on the global stage.

The Club was founded in 1991 as an initiative of the Government of Nigeria (through the FCT Administration). It is a self-funding, members only entity, incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the Grand Patron.

The IBB Golf Club remains dedicated to promoting the sport of golf and fostering an environment of camaraderie among its members. The Club has been a hub for golf enthusiasts since its inception and continues to set the benchmark for excellence in African golf