Woods goes under knife

Woods goes under knife

Third operation on left knee for American

Tiger Woods will be sidelined for at least four weeks after undergoing a knee operation.

The world number one, who finished second at last week's Masters, required arthroscopic surgery to repair cartilage damage.

It is the 32-year-old's third procedure on the knee, having had a benign tumour removed in 1994 and then a first round of arthroscopic surgery in December 2002.

"I made the decision to deal with the pain and schedule the surgery for after the Masters," he told his official website.

"The upside is that I have been through this process before and know how to handle it.

"I look forward to working through the rehabilitation process and getting back to action as quickly as I can."

A rehabilitation period of four to six weeks is required making Woods unlikely to defend his title at the Wachovia Championship, which starts on May 1.

He is also doubtful for the following week's Players Championship, but should be ready for the US Open in the second week of June