It's been a rough year for Tiger Woods. For the first time since 1994, Woods did not participate at the Masters Tournament due to back surgery, which he underwent on March, 31.

Woods has missed Majors before, but at 38 years old, time is running out if Woods is going to catch Jack Nicklaus' career record of 18 majors. Currently, Woods has 14 career majors. Unfortunately for Woods, he is in the longest slump of his career, not winning a single major championship since 2008.

Back surgery certainly won't help end that drought and it couldn't have come at a worse time. The US Open is scheduled to begin June, 12 and Woods has already missed the Masters. Woods described his recovery from surgery a "slow process" and still doesn't know if he will be able to play at the US Open. An ESPN Sports Nation poll shows that 49 out of 50 states believe that Woods will not be able to play at the US Open next month.

Woods has been practicing a little bit. He hasn't used a driver or even a sand wedge yet, but he has been putting. In a statement, Woods said "I made the decision to have surgery because physically I just couldn't make a golf swing, that pretty much sums it up." He remains hopeful that he can return in time for the US Open, but Woods himself is realistic, noting that it will take time.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo had the same surgery last season and Woods contacted him for advice.

At this point in time, given Woods' age, the US Open just a month away and the nature of his injury, it's very unlikely he will able to play at the US Open. If Woods did, he would most likely be a non-factor and would further injure his body. It might be more wise for Woods to continue healing and prepare for the British Open in mid July.

The back isn't the only health issue Woods has had to deal with. Woods has had multiple knee surgeries which forced him to miss much of the 2008 season. He also had a ruptured ACL in 2007. He wouldn't miss any playing time, but the pain caused him to miss shots and open fairways. Woods' Achilles and elbow have also bothered him several times, most notably in 2011.

Tiger Woods must win five more majors to become the most decorated golfer in golf history. With injuries piling up, it's going to be a tough road to get there, but Woods has shown he's up to the challenge in the past.