Tiger Woods has undergone surgery to address the back spasms and pain that hampered him throughout 2024.

Woods has struggled for fitness throughout the last few years, having suffered serious leg injuries in a car crash in 2021.

He appeared at all four majors this year but missed the cut at three of those events, also finishing 60th at the Masters, while illness forced him to withdraw from the Genesis Invitational in February.

The 15-time major champion has also undergone several surgeries on his back throughout the last decade, and he revealed on Friday that another procedure was required to rectify issues that plagued him this season.

"Earlier this morning Tiger underwent micro decompression surgery of the lumbar spine for nerve impingement in the lower back," read a statement posted to Woods' X account.

"Dr Sheeraz Qureshi of Hospital for Special Surgery in West Palm Beach performed the surgery and deemed it successful."

Woods added: "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.

"I look forward to tackling this rehab and preparing myself to get back to normal activities, including golf."

Jon Rahm has no intention of paying the fines dealt his way by the DP World Tour, as he reiterated his desire to play at the Ryder Cup.

Rahm, who starred as Europe beat the United States in Rome last year to regain the Ryder Cup, moved to LIV Golf in February.

The Spaniard's participation in next year's Ryder Cup, which will be held in New York, remains in doubt.

Rahm was slapped with fines for playing in LIV tournaments that clashed with DP World Tour events without having requested permission.

If he does not play in three more DP World Tour tournaments before the end of the season in November, he will not be eligible to play at the Ryder Cup.

However, despite Rahm entering the Spanish Open, Dunhill Links Championship and Andalucia Masters, he will be unable to play until he pays his fines, something the 29-year-old does not plan on doing.

"I'm not a big fan of the fines. I don't intend to pay the fines and we keep trying to have a discussion with them about how we can make this happen," he said.

"I intend to play in Spain. Whether they let me play or not is a different thing."

Former European captain Padraig Harrington has limited sympathy for Rahm.

"I'm a stickler for the rules," he said.

"I'm friends with Jon but if the rules are written down, that's just the way it is. The Ryder Cup is bigger than just the match. It is the backbone of the European Tour.

"The European Tour doesn't have a lot of leverage to get players to come back across and play here. The Ryder Cup is the carrot that we use to get people to come back.

"It is a very tough situation for Luke Donald and the Ryder Cup but if the 12th guy who qualifies by sticking to the rules gets bumped out, he's not going to be happy if somebody else has not stuck to the rules. We can't forget that person."

Rory McIlroy hopes there will be a "solution" from this week's scheduled talks between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Tiger Woods is reportedly among a number of PGA Tour representatives in New York for discussions with representatives from PIF, which funds the LIV Golf tour.

Negotiations for a deal that would inject over $1billion from PIF into PGA Tour Enterprises - launched by the tour and Strategic Sports Group as the new for-profit entity - began over a year ago,

McIlroy recently revealed his frustration at the lack of progress, but is hopeful the ongoing issues will soon be resolved. 

"I think everyone in the game would love there to be one [a resolution]," the world number three told BBC Sport NI.

"A solution is hard to get to because there are different interests and people want different things. There's going to have to be compromise on both sides but hopefully they're the things they're talking about in those meetings.

"I'm hopeful and hopefully we'll be hear some good news in the foreseeable future where things start to come back together."

McIlroy was speaking ahead of this week's Irish Open at Royal County Down, where he hopes to deal with the pressure of performing on home soils.

"I've had to learn over the years how to manage my week when I come home," he added. "I'm trying so hard to perform in front of the home fans, but then if I push too hard, it's detrimental to my game.

"It's about managing all those emotions and getting lost in my own little world, and not trying to do anything I wouldn't normally do.

"Just go out there and play the best golf that I can and not get too frustrated when things don't go my way. If I can do that then I think I'll be OK.

"It would be extra special [to win here]. After everything that went on this summer and being so close to winning the US Open and being close at the Olympics as well, it would be a nice way to forget about those things and move on."

Justin Rose has urged Jon Rahm to make sure he is eligible for the Ryder Cup next year.

The Spaniard, who plays on the LIV circuit, needs to play three events on the DP World Tour before the end of the season in November to be available for selection.

The Spanish Open looks to be the most likely solution for the two-time major winner, but he has not yet submitted an entry, which would need to be in by September 12.

If he fails to meet the requirements needed for his tour membership, Luke Donald will not be able to call on him, even for one of the wild card spots, as Europe look to defend their trophy at Bethpage next September.

Rose believes not having Rahm in the team would be a huge blow to Team Europe's chances in New York last year, but understands the Tour's need to enforce the regulations.

"No matter where the world rankings say he is or the golf that he is competing against, we know what a great player he is," Rose said, speaking after an event at Brocket Hall.

"My point is you want him on the team. There is a pathway for him to play the Ryder Cup if he wants it.

"I think that's all the DP World Tour can do, and they have their interests to protect, and I still think that it is a doable situation should the player want to choose to do it."

In a glowing endorsement of the vital role played by Latin American travel advisors, Gary Sadler, Executive Vice President of Sales and Industry Relations at Unique Vacations, lauded their unwavering efforts in driving tourism to Jamaica and other Caribbean destinations, particularly where Sandals Resorts are located.

Sadler expressed his heartfelt appreciation for their continued dedication to promoting the Sandals brand and the broader Caribbean region, as he acknowledged the crucial role they play in not only attracting visitors but also in strengthening the tourism sectors of the countries they serve, with a special emphasis on Jamaica, the home of Sandals Resorts.

“Jamaica and Sandals continue to be a very strong product for Latin America. You have seen just a part of Jamaica, the Ocho Rios region, but as we continue to invest in Latin America, you'll find that the Caribbean, such as Barbados, with flights four times a week from Panama with Copa Airlines, and Bahamas Nassau, again with Copa Airlines flying from Panama, will continue to grow. We are throughout the Caribbean, hence the reason that we can provide the diversity that you need,” Sadler said after another successful staging of the Sandals Latin America Travel Advisors Golf Tournament on Monday.

“Your commitment to showcasing the beauty, culture, and luxury that Jamaica and the Caribbean have to offer is nothing short of extraordinary. Each year, your efforts bring more and more visitors to our shores, allowing them to experience the unparalleled service and hospitality that Sandals is known for,” he added.

Gary Sadler shares a light moment with Arlenes Garcia.

The 10th edition of the Sandals Latin America Travel Advisors tournament brought together travel advisors from 11 Latin American countries—Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Mexico—for a few days of networking, education, and friendly competition at Sandals Golf and Country Club in Upton Estate.

Two teams from Argentina were crowned joint champions, as both teams finished tied on 68 after the two days.

One team, comprising Gabriel Miguens, Pablo Moioni, Gaston Serra, and Ulises Chiappe scored 34 across both days, while the other team of Maria Luisa Rodriquez, Fernando Rafael Quintes, Pablo Wolinsky, and Cesar Suarez scored 36 on day one and 32 on day two.

Peru’s team of Cesar Ruiz, Denitza Almeyda, Diego Sorni, and Micaela Oslcese, was third with 72, following scores of 39 and 33 across both days.

Beyond the competition, the advisors, many of whom were visiting the island for the very first time, were given a firsthand experience of the luxurious accommodations, world-class amenities, and vibrant culture that they market to their clients.

The tournament not only served as a platform for professional development but also as a testament to the strong partnerships that Sandals has built with the Latin American travel industry over the years.

Gaston Serra, a member of the winning Argentina team, makes a put.

Sadler highlighted the importance of these partnerships, noting that the continued success of Sandals Resorts in Latin America is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of the travel advisors.

He also encouraged the advisors to keep pushing for sales in their regions, emphasizing that their efforts have a direct impact on the growth of tourism in the Caribbean.

“What that means is that you have the ability to sell the Caribbean, especially the English-speaking Caribbean. Every time a visitor from Latin America visits the Turks and Caicos Islands, it's the quality vacation that you sell that makes a huge difference. My own experience visiting Brazil for carnival, visiting Christ the Redeemer in Rio, tells me that everyone must travel to experience the world,” Sadler declared.

"Your influence in the Latin American market is undeniable, and so I urge you to continue your relentless pursuit of excellence. Together, we can further strengthen the Sandals brand and ensure that Jamaica and the Caribbean remain top-of-mind destinations for travelers from Latin America,” he stated.

“We're grateful that you can make it Sandals and you can make it Jamaica, and I sincerely hope that everyone had a wonderful, wonderful experience. Thank you for your commitment to Jamaica, and thank you for your commitment to Sandals,” he ended.

Rory McIlroy is planning to cut down the number of tournaments he enters in 2025 after a congested season that will include 27 events this year.

The Northern Irishman finished tied for ninth place in the Tour Championship in Atlanta last weekend, his 22nd event of the year.

McIlroy started the year strong, winning the Dubai Desert Classic before triumphing at the Wells Fargo Championship in May.

He also came close to ending his decade-long wait for a major title, but agonisingly missed out to Bryson DeChambeau by one shot at the U.S. Open after a late collapse, prompting him to take a short break.

"It's been a long season, and I'm going to just have to think about trying to build in a few extra breaks here and there next year and going forward because I felt like I hit a bit of a wall sort of post-U.S. Open, and still feel a little bit of that hangover," said McIlroy.

"My season is not over, obviously. I've still got five events left to play," he said.

"But yeah, I feel like the tournaments came thick and fast, and obviously, with the Olympics thrown in there, as well, this year, it sort of condensed everything a bit."

Since the U.S. Open, McIlroy has struggled to show his early-season form, missing the cut at The Open Championship and finishing fifth at the Paris Olympics while representing Team Ireland.

The 35-year-old still has five tournaments left this year, including next week's Irish Open at Royal County Down.

Asked how many tournaments is too many in one year, McIlroy replied: "27. I'm usually sort of like a 22 sort of person. But again, that was when I was sort of in my 20s and didn't have the responsibilities that I do now.

"I'm going to try to cut it back to like 18 or 20 a year going forward, I think."

If ever Jamaicans needed a nudge to embrace the beauty of the island on which they reside, then Arlenes Garcia’s message—keep selling Jamaica as a brand—would hit home.

Garcia, the dynamic Director of Sales and Marketing for Latin America at Unique Vacations, who is currently in Jamaica along with travel advisors from 11 Latin American countries, is passionate about promoting Jamaica as a premier destination for tourists.

Her visit is part of the 10th staging of the Sandals Latin America Travel Advisors Golf Tournament, an event designed to immerse these individuals in the rich experiences that Sandals Resorts and Jamaica as a whole have to offer.

With the tournament as a backdrop, Garcia spoke enthusiastically about the importance of showcasing Jamaica's unique blend of natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, and world-class hospitality.

“Jamaica is so beautiful. There are so many things that the tourists can experience when they come to Jamaica. It's safe to travel to Jamaica, and we have to speak about all this. Jamaica is more than just a destination; it’s a brand that resonates globally, so when we promote Jamaica as a country, as the Caribbean, we have to promote the beauty of the country,” Garcia said.

“From the stunning beaches and lush landscapes to the warm and welcoming people, Jamaica offers an experience that is unmatched. We have to speak about the experience that tourists in Jamaica could have. I mean, there is so much to speak about when we think about it—Dunn’s River Falls, Mystic Mountain, and the golf course—there are so many beautiful places that you could find in Jamaica. So I would suggest that we continue promoting Jamaica,” she added.

Latin American Travel Advisors share a photo opportunity with caddies.

Garcia revealed that there are times when some Latin American travel advisors overlook Jamaica as a destination to experience and vacation, until they are told about the warmth and vibrancy of the island.

As such, she pointed out that it is essential that those who have experienced the beauty of the island  serve as ambassadors and continue to highlight these aspects to the world.

“Tourism is important for Jamaica and for us to be able to strengthen our relationship with our partners is also important. Jamaica is more than just a destination; it’s a brand that resonates globally, so as soon as those reluctant parties change their minds and decide to come here, they want to come back every year," she shared.

That said, Garcia explained that the tournament is more than just a sporting event but more of a strategic initiative aimed at deepening the understanding of what Jamaica offers as a tourism destination.

By bringing travel advisors directly to the island, Sandals Resorts ensures that these key influencers experience firsthand the quality and variety of amenities available.

This, in turn, allows them to better sell Jamaica to their clients across Latin America, as countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Mexico are represented at the tournament. 

Members of Mexico's team in action.

With that in mind, Garcia emphasized the significance of golf as an integral part of Jamaica’s sports tourism industry. 

"Golf tourism is growing rapidly, and Jamaica is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. The beautiful golf course here at Sandals Golf and Country Club, set against breathtaking backdrops, adds an extra dimension to the traditional sun-and-sand holiday. It’s these unique offerings that make Jamaica stand out, and it’s our job to ensure that the world knows about them," Garcia reasoned.

"For travel advisors, the ideal thing is to actually see the product, enjoy and live the experience, because this is exactly what they will be selling when they go back home. So if they see the product and they enjoy it, then they can sell and the golf tournament is ideal for those travel advisors who specialize in golf. They have these clients that actually are looking for a vacation where they can incorporate their sport," she noted.

During their time in Jamaica, the travel advisors have been treated to a showcase of the island’s best. From luxurious stays at Sandals Dunn’s River  to exploring the island’s attractions and, of course, enjoying rounds of golf on at the scenic Sandals Golf and Country Club at Upton, an experience carefully curated to highlight Jamaica’s strengths.

But the travel advisors also do a bit of giving back themselves, as Garcia also encourages a 'pack for a purpose' initiative that involves giving back to Jamaican communities through the Sandals Foundation.

"We encourage the agents to actually park for a purpose. They bring articles that they can share with the community. As you know, we support the education, the environment and the communities with the Sandals Foundation, so to be able to bring school items, books, and other articles that will support the communities and the schools here in Jamaica is part of the program that we have prepared for the travel advisors. We also have island roots as part of the sponsorship and they will actually support us by incorporating an activity where the agents will be able to experience Jamaica," Garcia ended.

Scottie Scheffler held off playing partner Collin Morikawa to complete a dominant PGA Tour season with a FedEx Cup victory at the Tour Championship.

Scheffler, who started the season finale with a five-shot lead over Morikawa, shot a four-under 67 to win on 30 under and collect $25million (£19m) of the $100m prize fund.

The world number one mixed an eagle and five birdies with three bogeys to finish four ahead of Morikawa, while a final-round 64 saw Sahith Theegala claim third place.

He also became the first player since Tiger Woods in 2007 to win seven events in a PGA Tour season as his dominance continues. 

"I try not to think too much about the past or think too much about the future, but two years ago was pretty tough, having a good lead going into the last round and not playing my best and then losing," Scheffler said.

"Then last year, I just had a pretty off week so it was fairly disappointing. So to come in with a lead for the third time and be able to finish it off is definitely pretty sweet.

"I feel like I've lived almost a full lifetime in this one year."

For Morikawa, it was an impressive display but not good enough.

That is despite Morikawa going within two shots of the lead after taking advantage of Scheffler's successive bogeys on the seventh and eighth holes. 

But Scheffler responded with three birdies in a row to surge four clear, and despite Morikawa responding with a birdie on the 13th, the American knocked home a 15-foot eagle putt to re-establish his five-shot advantage. 

"Nothing fazes him," said Morikawa.

"Whether I was gaining some ground or he was gaining ground, it didn't change how he walked or how he played or how he went through every shot.

"That's something to learn. His mental game is a lot stronger than a lot of people know."

Scottie Scheffler held off playing partner Collin Morikawa to complete a dominant PGA Tour season with a FedEx Cup victory at the Tour Championship.

Scheffler, who started the season finale with a five-shot lead over Morikawa, shot a four-under 67 to win on 30 under and collect $25million (£19m) of the $100m prize fund.

The world number one mixed an eagle and five birdies with three bogeys to finish four ahead of Morikawa, while a final-round 64 saw Sahith Theegala claim third place.

He also became the first player since Tiger Woods in 2007 to win seven events in a PGA Tour season as his dominance continues. 

"I try not to think too much about the past or think too much about the future, but two years ago was pretty tough, having a good lead going into the last round and not playing my best and then losing," Scheffler said.

"Then last year, I just had a pretty off week so it was fairly disappointing. So to come in with a lead for the third time and be able to finish it off is definitely pretty sweet.

"I feel like I've lived almost a full lifetime in this one year."

For Morikawa, it was an impressive display but not good enough.

That is despite Morikawa going within two shots of the lead after taking advantage of Scheffler's successive bogeys on the seventh and eighth holes. 

But Scheffler responded with three birdies in a row to surge four clear, and despite Morikawa responding with a birdie on the 13th, the American knocked home a 15-foot eagle putt to re-establish his five-shot advantage. 

"Nothing fazes him," said Morikawa.

"Whether I was gaining some ground or he was gaining ground, it didn't change how he walked or how he played or how he went through every shot.

"That's something to learn. His mental game is a lot stronger than a lot of people know."

Scottie Scheffler is in the driving seat as he targets a first FedEx Cup title, taking a five-shot lead into the final day at the Tour Championship.

The world number one made a slow start on Saturday but recovered to finish strongly with four birdies on the final five holes to maintain his lead, as he carded 66, moving his total to 26-under.

Scheffler is aiming to win his seventh PGA Tour event of the season at East Lake, with Collin Morikawa closest to him in second having carded a 67 in the third round.

"I've had my chances here to win some tournaments, and I'll have no better opportunity than Sunday," said Scheffler.

"I've been mentally at my best this year, and I'm looking forward to doing more of that in the last round."

Morikawa played himself into contention on Friday and was able to keep the pace with birdies on three of the last four holes on Saturday, while Xander Schaffuele slipped down to fourth, 10 shots off the top, with Sahith Theegala above him on 17-under.

After Morikawa's strong finish on Saturday, he remains hopeful that he will get a stroke of luck on Sunday to pip his compatriot to the title.

"It's going to be very hard, but I believe in myself that I can do it," Morikawa said.

"Five shots is a lot, but two-shot swings happen. I think I've seen a couple over the past few days.

"I've just got to play my game. I've got to go low. I've got 18 holes left in the season - I'm going to put everything I have into these next 24 hours."

Scottie Scheffler insists his swing is "in a good spot" despite seeing his lead at the top of the Tour Championship standings cut to four shots on the second day.

Scheffler, who is aiming to win his first FedEx Cup title, carded 65 in his opening round and entered the second round with a 10-shot lead.

However, the world number one saw American duo Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele close the gap during a weather-disrupted second round on Friday.

Scheffler carded a round of 66 to take himself to 21 under par, aided by two birdies in the final three holes to keep the chasing back at bay. 

"I feel like my swing is in a good spot, and I've hit it nice the last couple of days," he said. "A lot of quality stuff out there, and in a good spot going into the weekend."

Morikawa is four shots off the pace after producing a superb eight-under 63, which was the best round of the day, and has surged up the standings to second place.

In an impressive round, he dropped just one shot on the 11th hole, but made amends on the back nine before closing with back-to-back birdies. 

"He's going to continue to make birdies," Morikawa said about the possibility of catching Scheffler. "He's driving it really, really well here, and you're giving yourself enough wedges to make some scoring opportunities out there.

"For me, it's just about bringing energy and just staying alive out there."

Schauffele is in third, one shot behind compatriot Morikawa, after shooting an impressive second-round 64 to remain in the hunt for the $25million prize money. 

There is then a four-shot gap until a group of three players, including Adam Scott, are tied for fourth place at 12 under, while Rory McIlroy is tied for 10th place on eight under.

Scottie Scheffler is in prime position to win his first FedEx Cup title after storming into a seven-shot lead at the Tour Championship.

The world number one, who started on 10 under due to the FedEx Cup's staggered structure, carded a superb 65 in the first round of the PGA Tour's season-ending tournament, after recovering from an early bogey at East Lake.

Scheffler's haul included seven birdies, with five of those coming from his last seven holes, as he bids to win a seventh PGA Tour event of the season.

His main FedEx Cup challenger Xander Schauffele is tied for second on nine under par, along with Collin Morikawa, while Rory McIlroy is three shots back in T10.

However, the Northern Irishman has not given up hope of applying pressure to Scheffler as the tournament goes on.

"I'm happy with how I hung in there and had a good finish," McIlroy told Sky Sports.

"When I saw Scottie had gotten to 14, I was like, 'Oh, got to try to just hang on to the coattails a little bit'.

"Still feel like I've got a chance, and it was nice to finish the way I did."

Scheffler, also speaking to Sky Sports, said: "Yeah, I'm pleased with the day.

"I tried not to think about any sort of lead or anything like that, my job was to go out there and execute and I felt like I did a really good job of that. I felt like I was doing some good stuff to start the day.

"I had the bogey on one but after that I felt like I played some really good golf."

Keegan Bradley was in disbelief after putting himself in FedEx Cup contention by winning his second BMW Championship title on Sunday.

Bradley, who was appointed as the United States' 2025 Ryder Cup captain last month, edged out Adam Scott to claim a one-shot victory at the event near Denver.

Scott pulled level with Bradley at the start of his final round but later bogeyed three straight holes as the American won his seventh PGA Tour title.

Bradley, who also won the 2018 tournament by beating Justin Rose in a play-off, now sits fourth in the FedEx Cup standings, behind Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele and Hideki Matsuyama.

Following his victory, the 38-year-old set his sights on another triumph at next week's Tour Championship in Atlanta, having only just squeezed into the 50-player field at Castle Pines.

"Oh, man, it just shows why you've got to grind it out every week because you never know how fast it can switch," Bradley said.

"Now I go to Atlanta with a chance to win the FedEx Cup. I can't believe it. I'm so excited.

"I'm in a bit of a state of shock because there was a time a week ago about this time that I didn't think I was going to be coming here. 

"I had to have a lot of magical things happen for me to just play in this tournament, and when I got here, I was so grateful just to be here.

"I played with a real sense of calm all week, which is not the norm for me"

Keegan Bradley is proud of his fighting spirit as he regained a one-shot lead over Adam Scott in the BMW Championship heading into the final day.

Bradley, who was named the United States' Ryder Cup captain for 2025, had led after the first round but slipped down the leaderboard after Scott's impressive 63 on Friday.

However, after a rollercoaster day that saw him card eight birdies and six bogeys at Castle Pines, he ensured he was back on top of the pile by sinking a birdie on the final hole to card a two-under 70.

Scott, who was the unlikely leader at the halfway stage, remains within touching distance after two late birdies helped him to 74.

Ludvig Aberg and Alex Noren also remain in contention, tied for third on 10-under after carding 71 and 70 respectively on Saturday.

Xander Schauffele is three shots further back on seven under in joint fifth, after hitting a five-under 67 in the third round.

"It was tough out there today," Bradley admitted. "It was really windy, a lot of elevated tees that were into the wind, which makes it really tough.

"Proud of the way I fought today. I played some brilliant golf, but I hit also some terrible shots, too. I guess that's the way of the world. But I'm proud of the way I fought there in the end."

Adam Scott is aiming to replicate his second-round form as he looks to hold onto his lead at the BMW Championship.

Scott carded a stunning 63 at Castle Pines on Friday to take an unlikely lead in the FedEx Cup Playoffs.

The Australian is on 13 under par heading into the weekend, three shots ahead of first-round leader Keegan Bradley and four strokes clear of Ludvig Aberg, who matched Scott's 63.

Alex Noren, Aberg's Swedish compatriot, is a shot back in third.

"It's been a long time. I can't remember the last time I shot a 63 out here," Scott, who won The Masters in 2013 but has not claimed a Tour-level victory since 2020, told pgatour.com.

"But it feels good to go low, that I've still got that in me. Hopefully, there's one more this week."

Rory McIlroy is tied at 15th on three-under-par, while Xander Schauffele is a shot further back.

World number one Scottie Scheffler is tied at 29, however, after carding a par 72.

There was disappointment for Hideki Matsuyama, meanwhile, with the St. Jude Championship winner forced to withdraw due to a back problem.

"I am disappointed to have to withdraw from the BMW Championship after experiencing lower back discomfort while warming up this morning, which made it impossible to play," he said on Friday.

"Thank you to BMW and the Western Golf Association for a great experience here at Castle Pines."