Woods takes cautious rehab route

Woods is eating raw and organic foods as part of his rehab

Tiger Woods has promised not to pick up a golf club until 2009 as he recovers from knee surgery.

World number one Woods opted to have surgery on his left knee for a fourth time after winning the US Open in June.

The winner of 14 major titles said: "As far as swinging a club, that's not going to happen until next year, I just don't have a choice.

"We simply didn't know what type of swelling there would be. I could putt right now, but I'm not going to do it."

Woods initially tore his knee ligament after last year's Open at Carnoustie while running and took 10 weeks off at the end of the 2007 season.

He took a further two months off after having arthroscopic surgery two days after the Masters in April and did not play competitively until the US Open.

Woods added: "I don't know what the doctors are going to tell me about playing golf down the road.

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"I'm taking it day-to-day, week-to-week. All I'm doing every day is looking forward to my next day."

"The big thing is I have started my rehab and can ride the exercise bike. I can't ride it hard but am getting in two or three sessions a day.

"Initially I lost about 10 pounds because I wasn't working out, all of that was muscle. I've put about two pounds back on but I'm still pretty light.

"I'm eating mostly raw and organic foods that provide the most nutrients."

And Woods paid tribute to Padraig Harrington after the Irishman succeeded his as USPGA champion at Oakland Hills on Sunday.

"I want to congratulate Padraig Harrington on his wins at the British (Open) and PGA," said Woods, PGA champion in 1999, 2000, 2006 and 2007.

"As a two-time defending PGA champion, it was a lot more frustrating not to be competing and that hurts the most."