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Tiger at Aronimink: Crutches, a boot and some hope

Tiger Woods said Tuesday he remains hopeful that he’ll be recovered from injuries to his left knee and his left Achilles tendon in time for next month’s U.S. Open. Woods spoke at a press conference at Aronomink Golf Club in Newtown Square, the site of the ATT National beginning June 30, a tournament that benefits his foundation.

Tiger Woods said Tuesday he remains hopeful that he'll be recovered from injuries to his left knee and his left Achilles tendon in time for next month's U.S. Open.

Woods spoke at a press conference at Aronomink Golf Club in Newtown Square, the site of the ATT National beginning June 30, a tournament that benefits his foundation.

Woods, who withdrew after 9 holes of his first round in The Players Championship on May 12, said he has been resting his knee and Achilles and not practicing at all. He is wearing a boot to protect the Achilles and used his crutches to take pressure off his knee.

Woods said he is doubtful for the Memorial tournament next week but hopes to be able to tee it up for the U.S. Open, which begins June 16 at Congressional CC in Bethesda, Md.

"I'm going to try to do everything I can," to be ready, he said. "All my docs said I can be ready by then."
When asked if there was a scenario where he would be unable to play in the Open, Woods replied "there is, absolutely," but then added, "I'm not looking at it that way. With the proper treatment and proper rehabilitation, I'll be ready."

Woods said he was frustrated at being idle for such a prolonged period of time but added that it paled in comparison to the six months he had to sit out after undergoing reconstructive surgery on his ACL following the 2008 U.S. Open.

The Players Championship was just Woods' seventh tournament of the year and his first since the Masters, where he tied for fourth despite injuring his knee and Achilles on a shot off pine straw in the third round.

Woods' world ranking this week dropped to 12th, the first time he has been out of the top 10 since April 6, 1997, the week before historic 12-stroke win in the Masters at age 21. Asked about dropping out of the top 10, Woods just shrugged and said: "I just haven't been winning."

There's a video highlight clip from Tiger Woods press conference below, shot by staff photographer Michael Bryant. You can watch more highlights from the press conference on our golf section video page.