Tiger Woods says sorry in public, admits he cheated on his wife

Disgraced golf superstar Tiger Woods today apologised in public for cheating on his wife and said he was unsure when he would play competitive golf again.

Breaking his silence for the first time since his extramarital affairs came to light three months ago, Woods, 34, read out an emotional statement before a select media gathering in Florida.

"I want to say to each one of you, simply and directly, I am deeply sorry for the irresponsible and selfish behaviour I have engaged in," he said.

"I was unfaithful. I had affairs. I cheated. What I did was not acceptable," the American said, speaking from a room which had 40 people, including his mother.

He spoke of a feeling that came from money and fame whereby he believed he "deserved to enjoy the temptations". Woods said he was solely responsible for his actions and that he was "deeply sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behaviour."

On his return to competitive sports, he said, "I do plan to return to golf one day. I just don't know when that day will be. I don't rule out it will be this year."

Woods also appealed to journalists to leave his family alone, saying the matter was between a husband and a wife. He dismissed speculation that his wife Elin Nordegren had attacked him on the night when she found out about his affairs.

"Elin never hit me that night, or any other night," Woods said. "There has never been an episode of domestic violence in our marriage, ever.

"Elin and I have started the process of discussing the damage cause by my behaviour. As Elin pointed out to me, my real apology to her will not come in the form of words. It will come from my behaviour over time," Woods, one of the most recognised sportspersons in the world, said.

"We have a lot to discuss and what we say to each other will remain between the two of us," he said.

Woods said he was in treatment for 45 days at a sex rehab centre in Mississippi and will return for more therapy.

"It's hard to admit that I need help, but I do. I have a long way to go, but I've taken my first step in the right direction. It's not what you achieve in life that matters. It's what you overcome.

"The achievements on the golf course are only a part of setting an example. Character and decency are what really count," Woods said, adding that he would "return to Buddhism to renew his spiritual life".

"Part of following this path is Buddhism, which my mother taught me at a young age. Buddhism teaches [that] a craving for things outside ourselves causes unhappy and pointless search for security. Obviously I lost track of what I was taught," he said.

In his apology, Woods stressed that the media had no right to interfere in his personal life and slammed the paparazzi for stalking his wife and children.

Noting that the press had several questions about his behaviour, the golfer said, "Please know, as far as I am concerned, every one of these questions and answers are a matter between Elin and me. These are issues between a husband and wife."

Woods also said that several allegations against him were made up. He denied using performance-enhancing drugs.

The golfer disappeared from the public scene after he crashed his SUV into a tree outside his Florida mansion on November 27, sparking sordid revelations of infidelity.

Since then, 19 women have claimed to have had short- and long-term affairs with him.