Tiger Woods has returned from his 4th back surgery — here's a look at his long odyssey to get back to the game's top level

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Over four years after his last victory, Tiger Woods remains the biggest story in golf, and it's not even close.

Between Sergio Garcia's Masters win, Justin Thomas' breakout season, and Jordan Spieth's continued climb towards immortality, there were a number of big developments in the professional game this year. And yet, none of them moved the needle as much as Woods' week at the Hero World Challenge, his first competitive action since undergoing spinal fusion surgery.

It was a successful week for the 14-time major champion, so fans are obviously excited. But it's not like we haven't been down this road before — the spinal fusion was Woods' fourth back surgery, and his past comebacks to competition haven't always been smooth. The legend's journey to regain his pre-2014 form has become one of the most compelling odysseys in sports, full of twists, turns, glimmers of hope, and, ultimately, disappointments.

Below, relive Woods' long road back to the PGA Tour and see why golf fans should consider tempering their expectations in the months ahead.

In case you haven't heard, Tiger Woods has returned to competitive golf.

The 14-time major champion spent most of 2017 recovering from spinal fusion surgery, his fourth back procedure in the past four years. When he circled the Hero World Challenge as the site of his return, many fans were left wondering how his body would hold up during the four-day grind.

Woods quickly answered those questions, shooting three rounds in the 60s en route to T-9 finish. Along the way, he was applauded for his revamped swing and seemingly relaxed state of mind.