The Golf Jock

Tiger Woods recently had major reconstructive knee surgery after a heroic victory at the 2008 U.S. Open held at Torrey Pines. Tiger played the whole week on a knee that had never fully recovered from artroscopic surgery days after the 2008 Masters. In addition, he had multiple stress fractures that prompted his doctor to advise against him playing in the U.S. Open. Tiger ignored that advice and struggled through the pain for 4 full days. He then had to go another 19 holes against a feisty Rocco Mediate on Monday in a playoff. The victory was what Woods called “definitely” the biggest win of his pro career. But it came with a price, and his knee paid it dearly.

Woods hobbled off Torrey Pines on Monday evening with the U.S. Open trophy in hand, only to shock the (golfing) world the next day with news that his 2008 season was ended. Woods was forced to miss the Buick Open in Flint, Michigan which he had committed to, as well as his own AT&T National at Congressional Country Club in Washington, D.C.

On his blog, Woods said,

As you probably know, I had reconstructive surgery on my left knee after winning the U.S. Open. I’m not sure how I got through the week, but it was definitely the biggest win of my pro career…

I’m wearing a full leg brace and will be on crutches for a few weeks. To be honest, I’m not sure when my rehabilitation will start. I can’t put weight on my leg yet. These are the longest days - it feels like a 38-hour day.

Hopefully Tiger will be able to begin the rehab soon. His intial plans are that he won’t play in tournament action again until the 2009 Masters. That’s a long time to be away from competitive golf. Lesser men have had long layoffs after injuries and never made it back to top form (Jim Furyk, Ernie Els and David Duval just off the top of my head). If anyone can do it, Tiger is the guy most people would put their money on.

As it is, we can only wait and see. But the way it is now, professional golf is 90% less exciting without Tiger in the hunt.