Thursday, February 18th, 2010 
scott
Tiger comes clean but still gets it wrong
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Woods with friend |
Tiger Woods is set to break his silence by apologising for the behaviour that preceded his three-month break from golf from November last year.
The world No.1 will address a small group of friends, colleagues and close associates at TPC Sawgrass to begin the healing process over the scandal surrounding his private life.
"While Tiger feels that what has happened is fundamentally a matter between he and his wife, he also recognises that he has hurt and let down a lot of people who were close to him," said his agent Mark Steinberg.
"He also let down his fans. He wants to begin the process of making amends and that's what he's going to discuss."
Steinberg stressed, however, that the star golfer would not be fielding any questions, a move that has been widely criticised by his fellow players and members of the media.
"The only thing I will say about it is that I would like to see him answer some questions," said world No.12 Geoff Ogilvy. "If he answers some questions then that would make it real because he wouldn't be working off a script. But it's a start."
Pre-eminent US-based golf journalist Michael Bamberger was highly critical of Woods decision not to carry a full and frank press conference. "Tiger Woods is a world-class control freak," he said. "His re-entry into public life - which he has showered him with wealth and opportunities and trappings that we can only imagine - he is picking up right where he left off. He controls all."
It appears at a time when the best practice would have been to appear humble, the 14-time major winner is still unwilling to show a vulnerable side and will keep up his 'game face'.
Others have slammed the timing of Woods' return to the public eye, which coincides with the Accenture WGC Matchplay, claiming he is trying to upstage the tournament. But any ill feeling has been denied by global Management Company Accenture, which was one of several sponsors to cut ties with Woods after the allegations about his extra-marital affairs went public.
"It's selfish," said Ernie Els. "I feel sorry for the sponsor. Mondays are a good day to make statements. This takes a lot away from the tournament. "
"He's got to come out at some point. I suppose he might want to get something back against the sponsor that dropped him," said Northern Ireland's Rory McIlory.
Sergio Garcia said: "The timing of it is not the best, but he has to do what is right for him."
Woods has also suffered condemnation for inviting only a select group of journalists when he had the chance to diffuse the massive media interest surrounding him of late.
It's expected chaotic scenes that could expired away from the golf course will now carry over to his first PGA Tour appearance - likely to be the Masters in April - which could potentially further upset his professional counterparts and anger tournament organisers.
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