Tiger Woods car crash: Leg injuries suffered in LA accident put playing career in doubt

Tiger Woods has already achieved one of the greatest comebacks sport has ever known and now the 45-year-old golfer faces another mammoth challenge to simply return to full health, never mind compete again.

His playing career must be in serious doubt after the devastating injuries suffered in Tuesday's shocking single-vehicle car crash in southern California.

Woods languishes, once again, in a hospital bed – an all-too-familiar scenario for a man who came through four back surgeries, including a fusion procedure, before winning the 2019 Masters, his 15th major title.

That Augusta win felt like a crowning moment to an extraordinary career which has been marked by incredible highs on the golf course and dramatic and painful lows away from the game.

Woods has been golf's dominant personality for 25 years. At the height of his powers he was the biggest sports star on the planet.

He remains three short of fellow American Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major titles, a mark he looked certain to surpass in the first decade of this century.

Arguments rage over who was the greater player, but many contend no-one has ever played better golf than Woods in his prime. In the wake of the crash, former US President Barack Obama tweeted: "The GOAT (greatest of all time) of golf.

"If we've learned anything over the years, it's to never count Tiger out."

It is a valid point, Woods has often defied the odds in a career that has brought more than 100 professional wins, a record-equalling 82 of them on the PGA Tour.

But right now there are more pressing priorities. As basketball legend Stephen Curry, an ardent golf fan, stated: "At this point it is not about golf. It's about quality of life and being there for his kids."

Former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson has urged Woods to "fight like the champion you are for your kids and the world" while tennis great Serena Williams said: "Love you big brother…. but we will get through this."

Others to offer support included singers Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey.

Nicklaus led scores of messages of support from golf and all of the governing bodies have expressed their concern and best wishes on social media.