Tiger to Miss Quail Hollow Because of Knee Injury

I want you to watch THIS RECENT SWING from Tiger very closely. Notice the awkward stance, and the enormous amount of pressure that he puts on both knees as he tries to extricate himself from the pine straw under the Eisenhower tree at the Masters two weeks ago. This was on Saturday. On Sunday, nothing appeared unusual. At least through 17 holes. But on his approach shot on the 18th, you can clearly see him wince in considerable pain, gritting his teeth, head down, lifting his leg slightly. That happened 16 days ago. Today, word came from the Woods camp that Tiger is taking the next couple of weeks off to give his left knee some rest, announcing that he has withdrawn from the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow next week.  For the record, it’s being labeled a “minor” injury to his left knee and Achilles tendon.

“This is precautionary. We’re not at all concerned,” said Mark Steinberg, his agent at IMG. “He’s just listening to his doctors, which is kind of nice. He certainly didn’t listen to them before the U.S. Open in 2008.”

Not concerned, eh…. I’d have to wager a guess that that sentiment pretty much sums up Jack Nicklaus’ thoughts about his record 18 majors standing good. Given the nature of his prior injury, not to mention the scope of how hard he still swings a golf club much of the time – I’m surprised that his most recent knee surgery held up as long as it did.