Tiger goes under the scalpel

Tiger Woods has undergone successful reconstructive surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

The procedure was performed by Dr Thomas Rosenberg and Dr Vernon Cooley, who did arthroscopic surgery on the same knee in April. "It was important to me to have the surgery as soon as possible, so that I could begin the rehabilitation process," Woods said.

"I am very appreciative of Dr Rosenberg and Dr Cooley and his staff's guidance.

"I also wanted to thank everyone for their well wishes over the past week. I look forward to working hard at my rehabilitation over the coming months and returning to the PGA Tour healthy next year."

The doctors were just as positive about Woods' chances of a full return to form.

"We're confident going in to this surgery and I am pleased with the results," Dr Rosenberg said.

"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."

Woods announced he would have to undergo surgery two days after winning his 14th major at the US Open on June 16.

In addition to recovery from his second knee surgery this year, Woods will require time off to rehabilitate a double stress fracture of his left tibia that was discovered last month.

Despite noticeably limping and being in obvious pain, Woods won the Open at Torrey Pines by defeating Rocco Mediate in a 19-hole play-off