Woods addresses health, caddie's comments

Tiger Woods spoke publicly Wednesday from the Chevron World Challenge, a tournament hosted by Woods that benefits the Tigers Woods Foundation, about the health of his surgically-repaired knee and addressed recent comments by caddie Steve Williams about fellow PGA-tour star Phil Mickelson.
Woods underwent season-ending reconstructive left knee surgery in June following a memorable win in a 19-hole playoff against Rocco Mediate at last year's U.S. Open, earning a 14th career major championship.
Second all-time only to Jack Nicklaus who has 18, Woods discussed his current state of health and was noncommittal about when he plans to resume his PGA schedule.
"The legs are strong. I'm still in the healing process. I can't tell you when (coming back to play competitively) -- my surgeons can't tell you when. There's some uncertainty in how it's (knee) going to respond. Everyone heals at different rates. I learn to live with it day-by-day. I have to think short term -- more goal-oriented," Woods stated.
In addition to the knee surgery, Woods also revealed in June that his time away would allow for the healing of a double stress fracture of his left tibia that was discovered prior to the Memorial Tournament last May. The stress fractures were attributed to Woods' rehabilitation from previous arthroscopic knee surgery and preparations for the U.S. Open.
Woods noted in June he originally ruptured the ACL in 2007 following the British Open when he was running at his home in Orlando. At that point, he elected not to have surgery, and instead attempted to play through the pain. Woods won nine of 12 tournaments after the discovery of the torn ACL -- including two majors.
There was more than just the nuances of rehabilitation to discuss, though, as recent comments by Woods' caddie about his relationship with Mickelson was also front and center.
"I communicated with Phil and we discussed it. I talked to Steve and he feels badly about it," Woods said. "It's over and done with."
Williams didn't hide his feelings for Mickelson earlier in the week when disparaging comments from the former surfaced in New Zealand newspapers.
"I wouldn't call Mickelson a great player 'cause I hate the (expletive)," Williams was quoted as saying.
He further clarified his position after coming under scrutiny for the statement.
"I don't particularly like the guy myself," Williams said. "He pays me no respect at all and hence, I don't pay him any respect. It's no secret we don't get along, either."
The Chevron World Challenge is taking place from December 17-21 at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California. The 16-man field competing in the off-season event are vying for a share of the $5.75 million purse.buy warhammer gold