Woods: What I did was unacceptable

World No.1 apologises for extra-marital affairs

Tiger Woods has made his first public appearance since he admitted late last year that he had cheated repeatedly on his wife Elin.

Woods, 34, addressed a small audience of assembled friends, family, colleagues and journalists at the PGA Tour’s Ponte Fedra Beach headquarters in Florida.

In a speech which lasted just under quarter of an hour, the disgraced world No.1 admitted extra-marital affairs.

“I was unfaithful, I had affairs and I cheated. What I did was unacceptable,” said the 14-time major winner.

“I hurt my wife, my kids, my mother, my wife’s family, my friends, my foundation and kids all around the world who admired me.”

Woods also confirmed that he has been undergoing rehabilitative treatment for his personal problems and will be continuing to do so – further delaying his return to golf.

He said: “For 45 days since the end of December to early February I was in inpatient therapy receiving guidance for the issues I am facing. I have a long way to go but have taken the first steps in the right direction.

“I do plan to return to golf one day. I just don’t know when that day will be. I don’t rule out that it will be this year. When I do return I need to make my behaviour more respectful to the game.”

Woods’ wife Elin is believed to have been absent from his speech in which he angrily denied rumours that the Swedish former model had attacked him physically over his affairs.

“I have a lot to atone for but there’s one issue I really want to discuss,” he said. “Some people have speculated that Elin somehow hurt or attacked me on Thanksgiving night.

“It angers me that people would fabricate a story like that. Elin never hit me that night or any other night. There has never been an episode of domestic violence in our marriage. Elin has shown enormous grace and poise throughout this ordeal. Elin deserves praise not blame.”

The embattled golfer, who embraced his mother at the end of his speech, also asked for privacy as he continues to undergo treatment for his issues.

I know people want to find out how I could be so selfish and so foolish,” he continued.

“People want to know how I could have done these things to my wife, Elin, and to my children. And whilst I have always tried to be a private person, there are some things I want to say. Elin and I have started the process of discussing the damage caused by my behaviour. We have a lot to discuss and what we say to each other will remain between the two of us.”

Bryce Ritchie is the Editor of bunkered and, in addition to leading on content and strategy, oversees all aspects of the brand. The first full-time journalist employed by bunkered, he joined the company in 2001 and has been editor since 2009. A member of Balfron Golfing Society, he currently plays off nine and once got a lesson from Justin Thomas’ dad.

Editor of bunkered