Tiger Woods Takes a Break From Golf

Two weeks after an early-morning car crash led to surprising revelations about his personal life, Tiger Woods has announced that he is going to take a break from golf.

Saying that his infidelity has hurt people and that he needs to focus on helping the people he has hurt, Woods said he wants enough time and privacy to get his personal life in order.

Woods wrote in a statement on his web site:

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.

Woods posted the statement to TigerWoods.com on Friday evening, hours after rumors began to surface that his wife, Elin Nordegren, had given him a "golf or me" ultimatum.

Woods offered no time frame for when he might be ready to return.