2008 U.S. Open Champion Tiger Woods will have ACL surgery on injured knee

By Brian Frederick

TORREY PINES, CA (Hollywood Today) 6/18/08 – - “Although I will miss the rest of the 2008 season, I’m thrilled with the fact that last week was such a special tournament,” Tiger Woods said.

The knee injury Tiger Woods (32) could not shield from the public was evident as he went on to defeat Rocco Mediate at Torrey Pines in San Diego, California for the U.S. Open. Tiger’s greatest major win came on the heals of a 19 hole play off round in which Tiger went on to win his 14^th major championship and his 65^th career win.

“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 on his official website (www.tigerwoods.com).

“For an athlete as talented and competitive as Tiger Woods, taking the rest of the season off must have been an incredibly difficult, yet necessary decision, one that we understand and support completely, said Tim Finchem,” PGA Tour Commissioner. “The fact that he needs additional surgery only makes his performance and victory at last week’s U.S. Open all the more impressive.”

“I wanted to be very respectful of the U.S.G.A. and their incredible hard work and make sure the focus was on the U.S. Open. Now, it is clear that the right thing to do is listen to my doctors, follow through with this surgery and focus my attention on rehabilitating my knee,” said Woods.

Woods sustained cartilage damage to his knee nearly ten months ago while jogging near his home in Florida. He was hoping to delay major ACL surgery until after the 2008 season but elected to have the arthroscopic procedure on April 15^th of this year to clean out cartilage and be ready to compete.

“The goal after the April procedure was to return for the Memorial Tournament,” said Woods. It was during “intense rehabilitation and preparation,” Woods said that he stress fractured his leg, adding further injury.

“The stress fractures that were discovered just prior to the tournament (Memorial) 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 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines which is a course that is close to where I grew up and holds many special memories for me,” Woods said.

Woods has had a long history with knee surgery, electing to have his third surgery in the past five years.

Asked if he further damaged his knee by playing in the U.S. Open, Woods said, “Maybe.”

When will the Tiger in Tiger return?

After having arthroscopic surgery just two months ago, Woods had this to say to reporters on Monday. “I really don’t feel like playing anymore. I’m glad I’m done. I’m going to shut it down for a little bit here and see what happens,” Woods said.

Could the 2008 U.S. Open be Tiger’s greatest victory?

Hank Haney, Tiger’s swing coach believes so. “I certainly think it’s the greatest win he’s ever had,” Haney told reporters on Monday.

The Agony of Pain the Defiance of Defeat!

After winning his 65^th career win victory on the PGA Tour, Woods admitted he defied doctor’s orders to compete at Torrey Pines. “As far as future ramifications, I’m not good at listening to doctor’s orders too well. I won this week, so it is what it is,” Woods said.

Today, Woods admitted he needed to follow doctor’s orders now in order to preserve the future for his professional golf career.

Tiger’s 14 Major Wins: – the record is 18 by Jack Nicklaus over a 25 year period

1997 – The Masters

1999 – PGA Championship

2000 – US. Open

2000 – The Open Championship

2000 – PGA Championship

2001 – The Masters

2002 – The Masters

2002 – U.S. Open

2005 – The Masters

2005 – The Open Championship

2006 – The Open Championship

2006 – PGA Championship

2007 – PGA Championship

2008 – U.S. Open

Tiger Woods 65 professional career wins ranks him 3^rd all time, behind the great golfers:

Sam Snead with 82

Jack Nicklaus with 73

Tiger is married to Swedish model Elin Nordegren. They have one daughter Sam Alexis Woods.

Tiger is on the verge of becoming the world’s first billion dollar athlete, earning nearly $800 million in his 12 year professional career.