Tiger Woods' Surgery

Tiger Woods' announcement that he would undergo reconstructive surgery came just two days after his win at the US Open. He had injured his left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while running last summer. He played through the pain, until he had arthroscopic surgery to repair cartilage in the knee two days after the Masters in April of 2008. A previous surgery in 2002 drained fluid from around the ACL and removed a benign cyst.

After his most recent surgery, Woods was committed to returning to play in the US Open. He won the Open in a sudden death playoff against Rocco Mediate, even though he was in obvious pain, wincing and often relying on his club for support. He decided to go through with the reconstructive surgery, heeding the advice of his doctors that he needed to begin the rehabilitation process so that his ACL could be properly fixed.

Woods is not expected to return to the links for the remainder of the 2008 season. Typical recovery time for this type of ACL repair is six to eight months. His age and physical condition, in addition to his dedication to therapy and strengthening of the surrounding musculature, will help to dictate when his return will be. With full and complete rehab, his game play should not be affected. He will need to be aware not to return to the game too soon because of the torque and pivot stress placed on the knee when a golf club is swung.

Woods has been ranked #1 for 500 weeks and his departure leaves a void in the game, given his huge draw on television ratings and attendance. Commissioner Finchem supported Woods in his difficult decision and expressed his concern that his health takes first priority.