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Golf

Woods out of action for six weeks after knee surgery

16/04/2008

World number one Tiger Woods has been ruled out of action for up to six weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.

The American had surgery on the same knee in 1994, when he had a benign tumour removed, and again in December 2002 when he underwent a first arthroscopic operation.

Woods' agent Mark Steinberg revealed that the player had been experiencing pain in the joint "since the middle of last year" and had been recommended corrective surgery.

His condition has gradually worsened in subsequent months, although the 31-year-old was keen to play in the 2008 Masters so delayed the operation. He went on to finish second behind South Africa's Trevor Immelman at Augusta last week.

"I made the decision to deal with the pain and schedule the surgery for after the Masters," Woods told his official website.

"The upside is that I have been through this process before and know how to handle it.

"I look forward to working through the rehabilitation process and getting back to action as quickly as I can."

Steinberg confirmed that the surgery had gone well and Woods would soon begin a full rehabilitation programme with a view to returning to the PGA Tour by the end of May at the latest.

"Cartilage damage was found during the procedure, which [Woods' surgeon] Dr Rosenberg was able to correct," the player's agent explained.

"Tiger has played through the pain in the past, but knew it would be better for him to have the procedure done as early as possible."