In this June 15, 2008 file photo, Tiger Woods holds on to his left knee after teeing off on the second hole during the fourth round of the US Open championship at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego. Woods will miss the rest of the season because of a left knee that will require more surgery, a person with knowledge of the decision said Wednesday June 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
By DOUG FERGUSON – 5 hours ago
Tiger Woods’ career has been defined as much by spectacular shots as mind-boggling numbers. In just a dozen years on the PGA Tour, he already has won 65 times to rank third on the all-time list behind Sam Snead and Jack Nicklaus. Woods has won 14 majors, closing on the record 18 won by Nicklaus and joining the Golden Bear as the only players to win the career Grand Slam three times over. He is 44-3 on tour when he has at least a share of the 54-hole lead.
The latest number is the most troubling — three surgeries on his left knee in five years.
Two days after a grueling U.S. Open that took him five days and 91 holes to win, Woods said Wednesday he will have reconstructive surgery on his left knee to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament, forcing him to miss the rest of the season.
“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,” Woods said on his Web site. “My doctors assure me with the proper rehabilitation and training, the knee will be strong and there will be no long-term effects.”

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