Tiger's lurking
I read an article by Reuters and Golf World discussing the imminent return of Tiger Woods. Mr. Woods commented that he plans to play a light schedule in '09 (majors + a few tune-ups?) and his full schedule for 2010. Remember that he's currently sitting on 14 majors while rehabbing a surgically reconstructed left knee and stress fracture. The question on the minds of everyone in the golf universe is will he be the same dominating player?
And my answer from a orthopedic perspective is...he...he...he... are you kidding? I was asked a similar question by Golf Digest (after an unexpected knee arthroscopy) prior to his latest major championship at Torrey Pines. A title, that we would come to learn afterwards, he won with a torn ACL in his left knee and a broken leg.
My answer. Tiger will be better...much better. (scary thought I know)
Why do I say this? As orthopedic surgeons we may not have a great answer for your arthritic low back pain but as far as ACL reconstructions go we are not bad. In fact pretty damn good. A torn ACL was once considered a career ender for professional athletes. Now, it is better described as a 6-9 month nuisance. The technological advances, refined surgical techniques and injury specific rehab protocols have all but solved this once devastating injury.
Once again, we're talking about Tiger Wood's. This is a world-class athlete that happened to choose golf as his pursuit of choice. With his physique, training regimen and athletic ability he could have played most any sport at a very high level.
Tiger will ultimately return to the PGA with a stable, painless left knee (the important knee for right handed golfers). Something that he's not experienced for the past few years. How do I think he will do? ....he-he-he.
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