If you ever had arthroscopic knee surgery, which I have, you knew there was something far more wrong with Tiger's knee than what was first believed.

   NBC golf analyst Johnny Miller kept talking about his knee scope he had around the same time as Tiger and the pain he suffered, relating to Tiger.  I kept wondering, what the heck is he talking about.  I had my knee scoped for a cartilage tear.  Had it cleaned out and I was playing golf 10 days later with no problem. 

  Alas, the truth comes out.  ACL tear and two stress fractures.  Now I understand.  To be honest, I don't know whether to be awed by Tiger's performance at the U. S. Open, or think in hindsight what a stubborn move it was in the first place to play at Torrey Pines.

   I read Tiger's quote saying "he wanted to be very respectful of the USGA and their incredibly hard work, and make sure the focus was on the tournament, not on his knee."  I'm guessing he felt he had to play for the good of the game.  I certainly don't want to believe he played because of his insatible drive to beat Jack's "major title" record  of 18 and every other record in golf. 

  Next time Tiger, forget the tour.  You could have completely blew your knee out and brought one of the most brilliant sports careers to an end. 

  Now I'm no doctor, and I'm not Tiger, but logic tells me the road to recovery for the #1 golfer in the world still is no slam dunk.  I do wish Tiger well in his recovery.  I also wish the tour will now bring to the forefront some of the other budding stars on tour.

   Quite a few of the younger players actually have great personalities.  Boys, express those personalities.  Have some fun.  I think having Tiger sidelined can only help the game of golf.  One man can carry the sport for only so long.  It's high time either one of the American's or Europeans, or a collective group get their game to another level.  Tiger is 32, and as you've seen, his body, whether he wants to believe it or not, broke down.  The door is open.  Who wants it?  Who really has game?   Who will seize the moment? 

   Final note to Tiger:  Great theatre at the Open.  Gutsy.  But there is a fine line between being strong-minded and stubborn.  You have nothing more to prove in the sport.  Take care of yourself, and the rest will take care of itself.

   Tom Korun