Prof - Perhaps, you don't realize that TW talked with Jack Nicklaus about his back issues and pain in recent years. In 2012 JN encouraged TW to bring his trainer and consult with a therapist JN uses. At first TW did not respond, but later when TW was in so much pain he had difficulty even walking TW contacted JN and accepted the offer. TW & TW personal trainer and JN therapist spent a day together. Public comments made by JN were very positive regarding the meeting and resultant relationship. Whether fact or speculation some have stated within the golf community that when their paths cross, TW has discussed his recent surgeries, pain, therapy, etc. with JN.
JN comments have always been limited, but positive in regard to TW returning to competitive golf. This was in spite of 3 back surgeries, the first being in April 2014. That is until TW 4th back surgery in April 2017 fusing together the L5 and S1 vertebrae. After this and prior to this recent incident JN expressed some doubt about the possible return of TW to competitive golf.