Calcavecchia scheduled for arthroscopy on left knee

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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Mark Calcavecchia will undergo arthroscopic surgery tomorrow in Phoenix to repair the torn medial meniscus in his left knee. This will be his first knee operation since 2003 but the fifth since 1985.

Calcavecchia, 48, will need four to six weeks of recovery time but fully intends to defend the Merrill Lynch Shootout title he and partner Woody Austin won last year.

Calcavecchia played hurt through most of the 2008 season and withdrew from the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines with knee pain. An MRI revealed the damage but Calcavecchia decided to try play out the season. After making the cut in just three of his next seven events he withdrew from the Turning Stone Resort Championship two weeks ago with "unbearable" pain.

"I've been through it before," said Calcavecchia, who has had three procedures on his right knee and one on his left, in 2001. That one came shortly after Calcavecchia set or tied seven Tour records in winning the Phoenix Open at 28 under par.

"I'm not sure how much cartilage will be left after this," said Calcavecchia. "I'll play the Merrill Lynch in a wheelchair if I have to but I've got plenty of time to get ready for it. My recent even years haven't been too good but the odd years have been so I'm looking forward to '09."