TIGER Woods is to have season-ending surgery on his troublesome knee, the world number one confirmed today.
Tiger Woods with the US Open trophy. Picture: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images
Woods is to undergo reconstructive surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, and will then require further time off to rehabilitate a fracture of the left tibia in his leg.
"I know much was made of my knee throughout the last week, and it was important to me that I disclose my condition publicly at an appropriate time," Woods said in a statement.
"I wanted to be very respectful of the USGA and their incredibly hard work, and make sure the focus was on the US Open.
"Now, it is clear that the right thing to do is to listen to my doctors, follow through with this surgery, and focus my attention on rehabilitating my knee."
Woods made the decision to undergo a second surgery on his left knee just two days after he won his 14th major championship by defeating Rocco Mediate in a dramatic play-off at the US Open.
At times during the tournament, Woods was noticeably limping. However, he was still able to force the play-off in thrilling fashion in Sunday's final round with a birdie putt at the 18th hole, then made another birdie at the 18th in the play-off before ultimately winning on the 91st hole.
No date has yet been set for the surgery – although it obviously rules the 32-year-old out of The Open, which starts at Royal Birkdale on July 17.
He added: "While I am obviously disappointed to have to miss the remainder of the season, I have to do the right thing for my long-term health and look forward to returning to competitive golf when my doctors agree that my knee is sufficiently healthy.
"My doctors assure me with the proper rehabilitation and training, the knee will be strong and there will be no long-term effects."
Woods first hurt his knee in 2007 while jogging in Orlando.
He attempted to play through the pain and continued to score victories, claiming nine titles in all while playing hurt.
However, he began to cut back his schedule and, as the pain persisted, elected to have surgery immediately after the Masters. Woods had an arthroscopic procedure designed to delay ACL surgery until the end of the season.
He explained: "My rehabilitation schedule after the arthroscopic surgery was designed with the goal of returning to play at the Memorial, but the stress fractures that were discovered just prior to the tournament unfortunately prevented me from participating and had a huge impact on the timing for my return.
"I was determined though, to do everything and anything in my power to play in the US Open at Torrey Pines, which is a course that is close to where I grew up and holds many special memories for me.
"Although I will miss the rest of the 2008 season, I'm thrilled with the fact that last week was such a special tournament."
While his schedule will be put on hold, Woods will continue to make numerous appearances and fulfil his sponsor and charitable commitments over the next five to six months.
The full article contains 541 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
