think this clears it up
Tiger Woods will miss the rest of the season as he requires reconstructive surgery on his troublesome left knee.
The world number one got the better of Rocco Mediate in a play-off to claim his 14th major title at the US Open on Monday, but paid a heavy price as he did further damage to the knee on which he underwent surgery after the Masters in April.
He has now been informed by doctors that he will need anterior cruciate ligament surgery to correct the injury.
Astonishingly, Woods went on to reveal that he had also played, and won, at Torrey Pines despite a double stress fracture to his left tibia that he sustained last month due to the intense rehabilitation programme he undertook to be fit for the US Open.
The American has been assured by medics that his long-term prognosis is good given sufficient time off to recuperate and strengthen the knee.
However, the news means he will miss the Open Championship at Birkdale, the USPGA Championship at Oakland Hills as well as the Ryder Cup match against Europe at Valhalla.
"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," he told his personal website.
"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."
Long-term health
"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 explained that he had been planning to play at the Memorial Tournament hosted by Jack Nicklaus two weeks prior to the US Open but was forced to pull out upon discovering the stress fractures.
However, despite being a long way short of full fitness, he decided to play through the pain barrier and compete at Torrey Pines because of his affection for the course in San Diego - a decision, which despite its consequences, he insists he does not regret.
"My rehabilitation schedule after the arthroscopic surgery (in April) 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," Woods continued.
"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."
A date for the knee surgery, as well as the necessary rehabilitation schedule, has yet to be confirmed.
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