Tiger Woods quits pro golf indefinitely

Exactly two weeks after Tiger Woods crashed his car into a tree outside his house and unleashed a torrent of revelations about the women he's been seeing behind his wife Elin Nordegren's back, he announced yesterday that he is putting his family first and giving up professional golf indefinitely.

In a statement posted on his website, he said: "I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person." And for the first time - having talked only of "transgressions" in his statement of December 2 - Woods admitted to his "infidelity".

"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," he 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. "

The statement came the day after a notorious Hollywood madam, Michelle Braun, told the New York tabloids that she had supplied Woods with escort girls on several occasions in 2006 and 2007, at a total cost of around $60,000.

The golfer's decision to quit the game indefinitely has shocked PR advisers and the television networks. The last time he took an extended leave from the game - due to injury - TV ratings for golf tournaments dropped by as much as 50 per cent.

"He had a choice," one New York PR executive told The First Post last night. "Either go on Oprah and admit to everything and then get back to golf... Or disappear. Sadly for golf, he's taken the second option."

How long he will be away from the game is anybody's guess. In the short-term, it was reported this week that his yacht - named Privacy - was being loaded with supplies in a Florida marina, suggesting a Christmas break in the Caribbean. Beyond that, he could travel as far and wide as he wants. Having earned a billion dollars by the age of 33, he doesn't have to work again.

However, his fortune will not buy him the one record he still wishes to break - Jack Nicklaus's 18 majors. Woods is still four short and, if he is to be counted as the greatest golfer ever, needs to pass that milestone.

If six months is enough to clear the air with his wife, and if he can stay fit in the interim, he could be back for the US Open in June 2010 at Pebble Beach and the Open Championship at St Andrews in July.

Woods's agent, Mark Steinberg, said: "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."

In a final twist before Tiger announced he was off, his lawyers managed to obtain an injunction at the High Court in London on Friday. Granted by Mr Justice Eady, the injunction prevents publication in Britain of "certain information", details of which cannot be disclosed.

Some British media lawyers have described the injunction as "unbelievable" because it would never have been granted in the US. American websites are speculating that the ban concerns nude photos of the golfer, but his London lawyers, Schillings, deny such photos exist.

TIGER WOODS'S STATEMENT IN FULL:"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.

"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.

"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." ·