Woods taking break from golf, admits infidelity

The world's No. 1 golfer made the stunning announcement in his latest posting on his website in which he confessed “infidelity” for the first time, said he was sorry and asked his family, friends and supporters for forgiveness.

Woods, 33, one of the most admired sport personalities on the planet and the married father of two young children, had previously owned up only to “transgressions” in response to multiple media allegations of numerous extramarital flings. The allegations followed a bizarre, minor early morning car accident outside his Florida home on Nov. 27 that rapidly ballooned into a full-fledged sex scandal that turned his previously unblemished life and career upside down.

“I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children,” said Woods.

His previous perfectionist image was a magnet for lucrative sports sponsorships and endorsements, and according to Forbes magazine, he was the first athlete to earn US$1 billion, making him one of the world's wealthiest sports figures.

“After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person,” Woods said. “I want to say again to everyone that I am profoundly sorry and that I ask forgiveness. It may not be possible to repair the damage I've done, but I want to do my best to try,” he added. The announcement by the greatest golfer of his generation left the world of professional golf reeling, although his closest collaborators expressed understanding.

“The entirety of someone's life is more important than just a professional career. What matters most is a young family that is trying to cope with difficult life issues in a secluded and caring way. Whenever Tiger may return to the game should be on the family's terms alone,” his agent and friend Mark Steinberg said.

Impact on Sponsors?

Although Woods' major commercial backers and sponsors — which include PepsiCo's Gatorade, Procter & Gamble's Gillette, Electronic Arts and Nike — have up to now stood by him, Steinberg acknowledged the golfer's announcement could affect his business relationships.

“Of course, each sponsor has unique considerations and ultimately the decisions they make we would fully understand and accept,” he said.

One company, AT&T, said it supported Woods' decision and “our thoughts will be with him and his family”. But it added, “We are presently evaluating our ongoing relationship with him.”

Woods has been far and away the top draw on the PGA Tour. He is chasing Jack Nicklaus' record for victories in major tournaments and the unofficial title of best golfer ever. He has won 71 times on the tour in a spectacular career that includes 14 major wins.

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