Woods and Mediate
Tiger Woods has no regrets after battling through the pain barrier to land the US Open last month.
The world number one will miss the rest of the season following the reconstructive knee procedure he underwent following his remarkable play-off triumph over Rocco Mediate.
Now on the mend, Woods sees the victory as the best of his career and does not regret his actions.
He told his official website: "Would I do it again? Probably. I knew I could win; it was just a matter of dealing with the pain and executing. The day after the tournament, my knee was done. I couldn't stop limping. It's amazing what adrenaline does to a system."
He added: "Winning the US Open for my 14th major title was an amazing accomplishment. I'd have to say it was the biggest win of my pro career.
"Some people have mentioned the 1997 Masters, but for me as a player, the US Open was more difficult. I still don't know how I did it.
Last event
"Why did I do it? Am I that stubborn? The three reasons I played were: 1) It was Torrey Pines, a place where I grew up playing and have had a lot of success; 2) I was comfortable on the course and knew the greens; 3) I knew it was going to be my last event of the year."
Woods explained that when he had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee after the Masters, he knew his ACL was in trouble.
"I was just trying to get through the season, then planned to have reconstructive surgery. Unfortunately for me, I developed two stress fractures during my rehabilitation and that set me back," he said.
"I wanted to play in the Memorial Tournament, but couldn't walk. I just figured if I took it easy for a couple weeks, I would be able to play in the US Open.
"I was hitting the ball well enough. I wasn't hitting a lot of balls, but worked hard on my putting. It's amazing what happens when you practice your putting.
"Once the pain subsided, I could hit four or five balls at a time and then I would have to sit down in the cart because the stress fractures hurt so much. Then I would hit a few more balls and go home for the day. That's how I got ready for the US Open."
Frustrating part
He added: "When I walked, my knee throbbed, but it wasn't a shooting pain. Most of the pain came when I swung the club. Certain shots I couldn't lean forward - that was the frustrating part.
"I didn't really have a go-to shot because I wasn't sure where the pain was coming from. I hit a 40-yard pitch shot and felt I was going to fall over. Saturday was pretty bad, but Sunday was worse.
"Honestly, I never thought about quitting. I was going to make it. I might have been slow, but I wasn't going to stop playing."
As for the future, Woods has ruled himself out taking part in the up-coming Ryder Cup because he does not wish to deflect the limelight from those taking part.
He said: "I have been asked if I would consider being an assistant coach for the US Ryder Cup Team in September. I wouldn't do it for a couple reasons: 1) I'm not on the team. 2) The event should be about the competitors and the competition. The guys will have plenty on their minds and I wish them the best. I'll be cheering loudly."
