Tiger Woods: Rest and Recovery

Tiger Woods, 32, spoke June 30 in his first public appearance following his June 24 surgery to repair reconstructive surgery on his left knee.  During a conference call for the AT&T National, a golf tournament near Washington, D.C., Woods said that he is unsure when he will be returning to competitive play.   He was upbeat and positive, relating that doctors have told him that he should come back stronger and better than ever after proper rest, rehabilitation, and training, and they have stated that six to eight months is an average recovery time.  

Expressing frustration over missing the British Open, Woods said that the surgery had been inevitable. He indicated that his return is based on how well and how quickly he heals, which will not be determined until he starts rehab.  Woods said that everyone heals at a different rate and that he will be on crutches for at least the next three weeks.  His doctors have urged him to take the proper time to completely heal and not to rush back into training.  Woods determined that this major reconstructive surgery is necessary for his continued good health, but he will miss the end of the 2008 season, which includes the British Open, the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup.

Woods said the surgery reconstructed the ACL on his left knee and repaired cartilage damage. He stated that he has had pain with his left knee for the last 10 to 12 years.  He has had three surgeries on the knee in the past five years.  His final play this season was the U.S. Open, which he won over Rocco Mediate on the 91st hole.