Woods, who defeated Rocco Mediate in a play-off to win the US Open on Monday, is to undergo reconstructive surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, and will then require further time off to rehabilitate a fracture of the left tibia.

Woods said in a statement: "It is clear that the right thing to do is to listen to my doctors, follow through with this surgery and focus my attention on rehabilitating my knee."

While his schedule will be put on hold, Woods will continue to make numerous appearances and fulfil his sponsor and charitable commitments over the next five to six months.

No date has yet been set for the surgery - although it obviously rules the 32-year-old out of The Open, which starts at Royal Birkdale on July 17.

He added: "While I am obviously disappointed to have to miss the remainder of the season, I have to do the right thing for my long-term health and look forward to returning to competitive golf when my doctors agree that my knee is sufficiently healthy.

"My doctors assure me with the proper rehabilitation and training, the knee will be strong and there will be no long-term effects."