Woods undergoes knee surgery

Tiger Woods underwent a knee operation last week in a bid to get back to full fitness.

The 43-year-old had arthroscopic surgery to repair cartilage damage in his left knee.

The Masters champions underwent the procedure after failing to qualify for last week’s Tour Championship, and he is now building his schedule around returning to competitive action in the PGA Tour’s new event in Japan, the ZOZO Championship, from 24-27 October.

After that he is expected to play in his Hero World Challenge (December 4) and is considered a possible captain’s pick for the Presidents Cup (December 12).

Woods, who is one short of Sam Snead’s record of 82 PGA Tour wins, has had four previous knee operations and four back surgeries. The latest operation was performed by Dr Vern Cooley in Utah, who said: “I expect Tiger to make a full recovery. We did what was needed and also examined the entire knee. There were no additional problems.”

Woods, who has looked to be playing through the pain for the last two or three months, said: “I’m walking now and hope to resume practice in the new few weeks. I am looking forward to playing in Japan in October.”

The world No.8 withdrew from this month’s Northern Trust shortly before his tee time, citing a mild sprain, but returned for the BMW Championship at Medinah Country Club. He finished 37th in the FedEx Cup rankings, seven places outside the cut mark to make the Tour Championship.