Tiger Woods made a 13 minute public statement on Friday, February 19th at 11:00 a.m. ET at TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse at PGA Tour headquarters. He used words like “foolish” and “selfish” to describe his behavior.
He apologized to his friends, family, business partners, his staff, and golf fans around the world. “I’m embarrassed to have put you in this position. I am so sorry. I have a lot to atone for. I know that I have bitterly disappointed all of you.”
He emphatically stated, “Elin never hit me that night or at anytime. Elin deserves praise, not blame. I was unfaithful, I had affairs, I cheated. I am the only person to blame. I knew that my actions were wrong but I convinced myself that the normal rules didn’t apply.”
He went on to say, “I thought that I could get away with anything that I wanted to. I felt that I was entitled. I was wrong, I was foolish. I brought this shame on myself. I hurt my wife, my kids, my mother, my wife’s family, my friends, and kids throughout the world who admired me.”
“My failures have made me look at myself in a way that I never have before. It is up to me to start living a life of integrity. Character and decency are what really count. It is hard to admit that I need help but I do. For 45 days I was in inpatient therapy for my issues.”
He shot down rumors that he was using performance enhancing drugs and he blasted the media for following his family. He said, “Please leave my wife and my kids alone”, detailing the fact that the press followed his daughter to school and published the location.
Tiger was raised a Buddist and has reconnected with those teachings. He reported that he will continue to receive help, and will be leaving on Saturday, February 20th for more treatment and therapy. He said, “I need to regain my balance and be centered. I do plan to return to golf one day but I just don’t know when that will be. I will not rule out returning this year.”
He thanked the PGA Tour and the players for their patience and understanding while he works on his private life. In closing he said, “I ask you to find room in your heart to one day believe in me again. Thank you.”
He left the podium and gave his mother a long hug and kiss. After Woods left Sawgrass, Kultida Woods lashed out at the press in a defiant statement.
Veteran PGA Golfer Tom Watson recently spoke critically about Tiger in a candid interview detailing what he thinks the athlete will need to do before he returns to the tour – see video here.
View the video below.