Against the advice of his doctors, Tiger Woods played and won the U.S. Open with a very painful and seriously damaged left knee. Just eight days after the event on June 24, 2008, he underwent surgery to repair damage to the anterior cruciate ligament. His doctors say the procedure went well, and that he should make a full recovery.
After the surgery, Woods commented that his left knee has been a problem for the duration of his professional career. The first surgery on the knee, to remove a benign tumor, was performed in 1994 while he was a student at Stanford University, two years before he turned professional. The next surgery came in December 2002, when a benign cyst was removed and fluid was drained from around a ligament. Arthroscopic surgery was performed on April 15, 2008 to clean out cartilage from the damaged knee, two days after the 2008 Masters Tournament.
Woods has announced publicly through his website that he intends to follow the advice of his doctors. He will undergo the treatment and rehabilitation necessary to restore the use of his left knee and perhaps extend his playing career. No official date has been announced for his return to the PGA Tour. Some have suggested he may return for the Buick Open in February 2009. Others believe he is more likely to delay his return until April 9, 2009, the opening day of the 2009 Masters Tournament. This would allow the opportunity for a complete recovery and further strengthening of the knee.
The 32-year-old Woods currently boasts 14 major championship wins-- four short of the record (18) held by Jack Nicklaus.
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