Golf analyst: Tiger could be done for good

The end of Tiger Woods’ playing career might not be near. It might be here.

Longtime gol f a nalys t David Feherty, a supporter of Woods for years, said he believes multiple back surgeries haven’t just robbed Woods of his place atop the world rankings, but of the potential to play professionally ever again.

“I’m not sure that Tiger will come back because it is a nerve in his back,” Feherty told irishgolfdesk.com. “It’s not muscular or skeletal. It’s not something you can deal with in a physical way. I saw him a few weeks ago in Houston and he hadn’t played in five months, and he hit some good shots and some awful, skanky-looking things.

“I think he has a feeling that if he doesn’t make it back this time, he might be done from a physical standpoint.”

Woods, 40, last played in August, and has undergone two procedures on his back since. There is no timetable for his return. Woods recently appeared at the Quicken Loans National media day, where he hit three consecutive shortrange shots into the water.

Feherty, who works for NBC and the Golf Channel, said he thinks Woods is “too stubborn” to simply retire now, but soon may not have a choice.

“I don’t think [Woods] needs to do this,” Feherty said. “He wants to do this. He really, really does. But I’m not sure that he can. I’m not sure he is in any way clear on whether he can either.”