DUBAI - TIGER Woods says he's not sure whether he will be fit enough to defend his title as Dubai Desert Classic champion early next year, but he didn't rule out the possibility either.

The world's top-ranked golfer pulled out of competition for the rest of 2008 shortly after winning the US Open in June so he could have reconstructive surgery on his left knee to repair a torn ligament.

'It's frustrating for me,' he said of the injury on Monday at an event to promote a golf course he helped design in the Persian Gulf city.

Woods says his schedule heading into next year is uncertain, but that he plans to 'be hitting golf balls at the beginning of the year'. The Dubai Desert Classic begins Jan 27. -- AP