Funk blog: Rehabbing knee, sitting out Mitsubishi Electric

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2008 Mitsubishi Electric Championship winner Fred Funk will miss this year's event as he recovers from knee surgery.

Perennial fan favorite Fred Funk, the 2009 U.S. Senior Open Champion, was scheduled to start his fourth season on the Champions Tour at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai, Jan. 18-24. The winner of eight PGA TOUR titles, including the 2005 PLAYERS Championship, did not have a chance to defend his 2008 Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai title last January (one of his five Champions Tour victories) because he was idled by a staph infection in his right knee which bothered him for much of the 2009 season. Yet he had another impressive year, playing in 21 events with 11 top-10s to go along with his U.S. Senior Open victory. He set a USGA record in that event. His 72-hole score of 20-under 268 for his first Champions Tour major set a record for the most strokes under par for 72 holes at a USGA event. He was also the only player to finish in the top 10 in all five Champions Tour majors. He finished third in the season-long Charles Schwab Cup points race and fifth on money list with $1,563,810 in earnings.

Fred had right-knee replacement surgery Nov. 16 in Jacksonville, Fla., and has been undergoing rehab to prepare for the 2010 season. He was looking forward to getting back to Hawaii for the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai. Then a recent follow-up visit with his surgeon mandated a change in plans. He and his wife, Sharon, who manages the logistics of travel, home schooling their two youngest children, and other domestic "operations" for "Team Funk," provided some insight on what it's been like on the home front recently.

SHARON FUNK: We will all miss being in Hawaii for the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai, it is always one of the best weeks of the year. Fred was disappointed the most because he has pushed so hard to get there. He really wanted to play after missing last year as defending champion. The doctor benched Fred this week because of limited quad strength due to inconsistent extension of the new knee. Dr. Heekin said he was ahead of schedule and doing great but wanted him back stronger and fully recovered. I am sure this is the right decision not only physically but for his mental state.

Fred's rehab schedule has been strenuous. Anyone who's had knee surgery or knee replacement can empathize with the various issues post-procedure. It's not only the physical therapy sessions every day for four to five hours but also the frustration of being limited to what he can do beyond that. There is a fine line between pushing hard enough or too hard. Fred seems to error on overdoing his workouts and contends with aches every night. He has constant physical pain, and he doesn't sleep well. Andy Mill had his knee replaced four weeks before Fred, so he keeps encouraging him and gives him feedback on what to expect. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Patience!

Anyone who is passionate about what they do whether it's teaching school, charity work or being a professional golfer knows it's frustrating when you can't do your job. Fred's job is golf and he wants to be out there with his friends competing and enjoying what he does best. So in the scheme of things would I rather be at the beautiful Four Seasons Resort in Hualalai in two weeks where it's warm? For sure since even North Florida has been unseasonably cold with sub-freezing temperatures. It's obviously disappointing, but it was the right decision for us long term.

We were fortunate when Fred won the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai two years ago. We really enjoyed our time on the Big Island and Fred developed a great relationship with those at Mitsubishi especially Casey Blanchard, Mitsubishi Electric's Senior Vice President for Corporate Communications. She e-mailed Fred within an hour of the news and said she was very sorry. We wish we could be there to support them and the great event. They [Mitsubishi] don't miss a beat and have been so supportive. I pray next year for a husband that can put up the Christmas tree with his family and to start the year in Hawaii!

Reality sets in. I am in the process of cancelling airline tickets, hotels, cars etc. Luckily I had purchased refundable airline tickets and the changes were easy. I home school our kids, Taylor and Perri, so maybe we will take a trip south to pretend it is as warm and picturesque as Hawaii. Fred will reset his goal the next 30 days and look forward to his first week back in Florida for the Naples Ace Group Classic in February. One thing I've learned watching Fred come back from his various injuries is that often the recovery is more mental than physical, as strange as that may sound. At this level it's more about confidence. I know Fred asks himself, "Will my knee be OK? Can I walk 18 holes without it swelling up? Can it take the weight when I turn?" There's only one way to find out. Test it in competition, but first we have to be patient and not rush his return. We'll be watching all our friends in two weeks rooting them on, maybe munch on some pineapple and dream of paradise for next year.

FRED FUNK: Hey can the "patient" get a word in here? I just came back from another therapy session for the knee and it's coming along. As much as I'd love to be playing in Hawaii, the doctor made the right call. Mitsubishi Electric's a great sponsor and it's a fantastic venue, but I just have to be patient. Sharon's been a great "nurse'"and I wouldn't be this far along without her. I'm doing what I need to do. As the California Governor likes to say, "I'll be back." Happy New Year everybody.