Will Tiger Woods return? Sports experts, local react after the golfer's car crash

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Golf fans are still in shock after the serious car crash that injured Tiger Woods.

The golf legend is recovering in the hospital after major surgery.

His return to the sport is the next big question from those who admire and cover Woods' career.

“I think we have to get used to golf going on for at least many months, without Tiger being a factor in tournaments," Gary D’Amato, senior writer at Killarney Golf Media, said.

Woods has dominated the sport for decades.

After back surgery in December, the 45-year-old hoped to play in the Masters in April.

His future in other tournaments – unknown.

“And if he can ever get back into the kind of form where he would be able to contend again in a PGA Tour event, that’s a huge question mark," said D'Amato.

Woods made his pro debut at the Greater Milwaukee Open at Brown Deer Park Golf Course in 1996.

He’d play again in Wisconsin, but unfortunately for fans, he never returned to Milwaukee.

“I think (fans were) more disappointed, you know? We had given him a break by giving him a sponsor exemption because he didn’t have any tour status. He had just ended his amateur career," explained D'Amato.

Marquette University Assistant Golf Coach Chris Williams has a personal connection to Woods.

He says he played professionally for five years signed to Woods’ agent, and met the star in passing.

“People talk about guys that move the needle and for the sport of golf, Tiger is the needle," said Williams.

The Ryder Cup will be in Wisconsin this September at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin.

D’Amato said if Woods is not playing by then, perhaps he’ll join in another capacity – maybe as an assistant captain.