Tiger Taking a Break

Tiger said Friday he is taking an indefinite leave from golf to work on saving his marriage, using the word “infidelity” for the first time in a statement posted on his Web site.

“After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf,” Woods said. “I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person.”

“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 has now been two weeks since Thanksgiving, the day that Tiger’s life started to spiral out of control.  Every since, Tiger has been in hiding and has not publicly addressed the media, which has led to a firestorm of rumors and scrutiny that is still ongoing.

“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 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 PGA tour will definitely feel the economic impact of Tiger’s absence.  It is still unclear how long Tiger will be out for, but there is no doubt that galleries will be smaller without his presence, and ratings will be down.  However, when Tiger decides to return, it could be the highest rated golf television audience of all time, no matter what event he chooses to come back for.  The PGA Tour released a statement.

“His priorities are where they need to be, and we will continue to respect and honor his family’s request for privacy,” PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said in a statement, the tour’s first public comment since Woods mentioned his “personal failings” on Dec. 2. “We look forward to Tiger’s return to the PGA Tour when he determines the time is right for him.”

The announcement by Woods raised the possibility, depending on how long he stays away from the game, that he could miss the Masters for the first time since he played as an amateur in 1995. The tournament is April 8-11.

One of Woods’ favorite playing partners also said it was the right thing to do.

“I think it’s great that he’s going to put his family first and work things out,” Steve Stricker said from Naples, Fla. “Golf will always be there. He wants to make sure his marriage is right and everything is good on the home front. We’ll sure miss him on tour until he gets things taken care of.”

It will be the second straight season the PGA Tour begins without its No. 1 player, although this is different. A year ago, he was out of golf for eight months while recovering from reconstructive knee surgery and television ratings dropped 50 percent during his absence.

“We knew before he was coming back,” Stricker said. “Now we’re not sure when he’s coming back. But this sounds good. I hope everything works out for him.”

Woods’ agent, Mark Steinberg, told The Associated Press that he supports Woods’ decision to take time off for his family.

“The entirety of someone’s life is more important than just a professional career,” Steinberg said in an e-mail to the AP. “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.”

Addressing the subject of Woods’ sponsors, Steinberg said that “it would be both premature and inappropriate to comment on the status of specific business relationships.

“Suffice it to say, we have had thoughtful conversations and his sponsors have been open to a solution-oriented dialogue,” he said. “Of course, each sponsor has unique considerations and ultimately the decisions they make we would fully understand and accept.”