Tiger blog: Taking my recovery one day at a time

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Things are lot better since I last wrote to you. I'm a lot more mobile, which is really nice. I can't catch Sam yet, but I'm getting close. The big thing is I've started my rehab and can ride the bike. I can't ride it hard -- just motion -- but am getting in two or three sessions a day.

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Tiger Woods lost 10 pounds following his knee surgery.

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As far as swinging a club, that's not going to happen until next year. I just don't have a choice. We simply don't know what type of swelling there would be or if there would be any residual effects the next day once you start wheeling and dealing on the knee. Everyone's body reacts differently. I could putt right now, but I'm not going to do it.

I don't know what the doctors are going to tell me about playing golf down the road. I'm taking it day-to-day, week-to-week. All I'm doing every day is looking forward to my next day.

A lot of guys have checked in with me to see how I'm doing. It's been an unbelievable response and I really appreciate it.

Initially, I probably 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.

I didn't watch much of the British Open and saw a little bit of the British Senior Open, because my friend John Cook was in contention. I watched some of the PGA Championship and want to congratulate Padraig Harrington on his wins at the British and PGA. As a two-time defending PGA champion, it was a lot more frustrating not to be competing and that hurts the most. I stayed plenty busy with my rehab and watched some of the Olympics on television. I did arrange the menu for the Champions dinner, and it was a combo of American and Swedish food. I want to thank the PGA for organizing that very special evening.

The thing I miss the most about not competing is the fight. I've gone through this experience before, so I knew what I was in for. I know I'm in no condition to beat anybody right now, so I don't have a problem with not being able to compete.

I recently went to Congressional Country Club to meet with the members about hosting the AT&T National from 2012 through 2017. It's a fantastic facility and the Blue Course is one of the best around. Our partnership with Congressional has helped us do some really neat things locally with the military and various charities. It's been a great partnership, and I hope to continue it.

Later this month, we're going to launch our new video game: Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09. We've made some exciting changes, like the new "true one-to-one golf swing," that I really think you're going to like. In fact, the game just recently won the Best Sports Game of E3 2008 for the Wii.

I've also been working with Gatorade on a new fitness drink. They have been so helpful during my rehab, trying to think of ways to expedite my recovery process. It's been a pleasure to join forces with them.

I'm also overseeing my golf course design projects in Dubai and North Carolina, and I'm really enjoying the work. Both projects are coming along nicely. I have eight holes rough shaped in Dubai, and we are hoping to start construction later this year in North Carolina.

I will definitely watch some of the Ryder Cup Matches and will be pulling hard for the American Team. I wish I could do more than root!

That's all for now. Enjoy the rest of your summer and I'll talk to you soon.

Tiger

Tiger Woods also took time on August 22, 2008 to answer questions from fan-submitted emails. Read on to learn what Woods has to say about his favorite red-and-black outfit, watching Michael Phelps and what his caddie Steve Williams has been doing while Woods is recovering.

Q. Hello Mr. Woods. I hope the recovery is going well and I cannot wait for you to be back on TOUR. Do you have a red and black outfit that you like the best or is lucky? Get well soon! Mike from Suffield, Conn.

WOODS: I can't wait to play golf again. I've begun my rehab which includes riding the bicycle and it's going really well. I just need to be careful to follow my doctor's orders. As I'm sure you know, I always wear a red shirt on Sunday. So far, I can't complain about the results.

Q. When will you put Augusta National on your Tiger Woods EA game? Tom from Navey, MI

WOODS: Well, Augusta has the rights to their golf course as it relates to any game but we'd love to have them as a partner someday. I wanted to let you know that Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 09 is off to a great start. The game won the Best of E3 Award for Best Sports Game and Best multi-player on the Wii platform. I'll be in New York next week for several events to highlight the game.

Q. Are you into the Olympics?

WOODS: I am. Michael Phelps was amazing and I enjoy basketball, track and field and a lot of other events. The women were great in gymnastics and beach volleyball was really cool.

Do you think they should include golf in the Olympics?

WOODS: The way I understand it, golf will try for inclusion in a meeting to be held October 2009. If the sport is accepted, it wouldn't be contested until 2016. It will be interesting to see what happens.

Both questions from Tim from West Palm Beach, Fla.

Q. Hi Tiger, Have you ever met Michael Phelps? After winning eight gold medals they are comparing him to you! Samantha from Lakewood, Ontario

WOODS: I have not, but he seems like a great guy. I'm amazed at what he accomplished. He really dominated his sport.

Q. What has Steve (your caddie) been doing while you have been recovering from surgery? Brett from Central City, Ky.

WOODS: He's been in New Zealand with his family and taking care of his farm, Steve has a lot of land down there. I'm looking forward to working with him again next year.

Q. Hi Tiger, Is there anywhere that we can see some updated pictures of Sam? Cynthia from Norwalk, Ohio

WOODS: No pictures right now, but she's really growing fast. She's walking, I should say running, and is hard to keep up with. While I'm not happy about my injury, it's been a blessing spending extra time with her and Elin.