players championship

Masters champion Trevor Immelman withdrew Thursday morning from The Players Championship because of an illness, leaving the PGA Tour's flagship event without the last two major champions.

Tour officials did not have details on Immelman's illness, saying only he had already returned to Orlando.

Since winning the Masters by three shots over Tiger Woods, Immelman has had a tough time.

Tiger Woods had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Tuesday and will miss at least four weeks while he recovers.

It was the third time Woods has had surgery on his left knee, the most recent in 2003 when he missed the start of the season.

His agent said he had been experiencing pain since the middle of last year. The surgery means Woods is likely to miss The Players Championship for the first time, but should return in time for the U.S.

Open.