Update!

"Profoundly Sorry" Tiger Woods Taking "Indefinite Break" From Golf

Golfer admits infidelity, says he needs to focus on being a "better father, husband and person"

By Natalie Finn Dec 12, 2009 3:37 PMTags
Tiger WoodsAndrew Redington/Getty Images

You can't really blame Tiger Woods for not wanting to hit the links anytime soon.

The superstar athlete has announced that he is taking "an indefinite break" from golf so that he can focus on his severely embattled personal life.

"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," Woods wrote Friday in a statement on his website.

"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 continued: "I would like to ask everyone, including my fans, the good people at my foundation, business partners, the PGA Tour, and my fellow competitors, for their understanding. What's most important now is that my family has the time, privacy, and safe haven we will need for personal healing.

"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."

"Again, I ask for privacy for my family and I am especially grateful for all those who have offered compassion and concern during this difficult period."

While this isn't exactly surprising, considering, it certainly isn't good news for the game of golf.

TV ratings suffered when Woods missed eight months after undergoing season-ending knee surgery in June 2008, following his nail-biter of a win at the U.S. Open.

But the PGA Tour isn't going to begrudge the emotional needs of its most famous cash cow.

"His priorities are where they need to be, and we will continue to respect and honor his family's request for privacy," tour commissioner Tim Finchem said in response to the news.

"We look forward to Tiger's return to the PGA Tour when he determines the time is right for him."

The same goes for Nike, which hasn't swooshed Tiger under the rug like Gatorade and Tag Heuer.

"Tiger has been part of Nike for more than a decade," the athletic-apparel behemoth said in a statement Friday night. "He is the best golfer in the world and one of the greatest athletes of his era. We look forward to his return to golf. He and his family have Nike's full support."

(Originally published Dec. 11, 2009, at 3:54 p.m. PT)

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Catch up on why Tiger is taking an indefinite hiatus right here.