It's a good thing the golf world got a chance to see more of Tiger Woods than usual this past week when he was forced to play an extra 19 holes on Monday to win the US Open, because no one is going to see Woods play golf again this year.

The world's best player announced on his website on Wednesday morning that he's done for the rest of 2008.

He's going to have reconstructive surgery on the left knee that was scoped two months ago, but clearly still bothered him during all five rounds at Torrey Pines over the weekend. However, Woods still had the guts and the grit to beat Rocco Mediate on the first hole of sudden death after their 18-hole playoff failed to settle the issue.

The final line on Tiger's 2008 season: Six events played, four wins including his 14th major title. He finished second at the Masters and his worst finish was fifth at the World Golf Championship event at Doral. Those numbers alone should still earn him consideration for yet another player-of-the-year award.

The surgery means he won't play next month's British Open nor have the chance to win his third straight US PGA Championship in August. It also means Tiger won't get a chance to defend his year-end Fed Ex Cup playoff title or take part in the Ryder Cup.

It's tough news for Tiger and all of his fans. But you have to know there are 200 other golfers on the PGA Tour who likely aren't shedding too many tears today. For the first time in a long time, some of them will actually feel like they have a chance to win the next time they tee up.