Tiger Has Fourth Knee Surgery

Tiger Woods underwent the fourth surgery on his left knee Tuesday in Park City, Utah. Doctors said it was "highly unlikely" that golf's top-rated player would suffer any long-term effects.

Woods will sit out the rest of the 2008 season after winning the recent U.S. Open at Torrey Pines in dramatic fashion, beating Rocco Mediate on the 91st hole of the championship. The victory was the 14th major in Woods' career. It came after he underwent the third surgery on the knee nine weeks prior to the event.

"We were confident going into this surgery, and I am pleased with the results," said Dr. Thomas D. Rosenberg, in a statement released by IMG, Woods' management company.

"There were no surprises during the procedure, and as we have said, with the proper rehabilitation and training, it is highly unlikely that Mr. Woods will have any long-term effects as it relates to his career."

The surgery was performed by Rosenberg and Dr. Vernon J. Cooley. Tiger's first surgery occurred in 1994 when he had a benign tumor removed; in 2002, he had benign cysts removed along with fluid around the anterior cruciate ligament.

His latest time under the knife was to repair damage to his ACL, a much more serious injury. He tore the ACL while jogging last year after the British Open and made it through 2007 without surgery. Two days after this year's Masters he had surgery to clean out cartilage in the knee.

In a statement, Woods said of his future: "It was important to me to have the surgery as soon as possible so that I could begin the rehabilitation process. I am very appreciative of Dr. Rosenberg and Dr. Cooley and his staff's guidance and look forward to working with them through the necessary rehabilitation and training. I look forward to working hard at my rehabilitation over the coming months and returning to the PGA Tour healthy next year."

Woods didn't say when he would start his rehab or set any timetable for his return to competitive golf.