Woods apologises for 'personal sins'

Tiger Woods has apologised to his family and supporters for 'transgressions' that were the source of intense tabloid speculation following his high-profile car crash last Friday.

Golf's number one has been beset by allegations of infidelity since it emerged he sustained facial injuries and was left semi-unconscious by crashing his sports utility vehicle outside his home in a luxury suburb of Florida.

After two women claimed extramarital affairs with the 33-year-old the 14-time major winner felt compelled to release an extraordinary statement on his personal website.

In it he admits to letting his family down and betraying his values.

'I am dealing with my behaviour and personal failings behind closed doors with my family. Those feelings should be shared by us alone,' Woods says in the statement published on tigerwoods.com.

Woods, who pulled out of his own World Challenge tournament scheduled to start this week because of injuries sustained in the crash, also repeated a denial that his wife Elin Nordegren struck his Cadillac SUV with a golf club.

'Although I am a well-known person and have made my career as a professional athlete, I have been dismayed to realise the full extent of what tabloid scrutiny really means.

'For the last week, my family and I have been hounded to expose intimate details of our personal lives. The stories in particular that physical violence played any role in the car accident were utterly false and malicious.'

Woods does not explicitly admit to being unfaithful to his wife in the statement, but adds: 'Personal sins should not require press releases and problems within a family shouldn't have to mean public confessions.

'Whatever regrets I have about letting my family down have been shared with and felt by us alone. I have given this a lot of reflection and thought and I believe that there is a point at which I must stick to that principle even though it's difficult.'

Tiger Woods escapes censure over crash

Tiger Woods will not face criminal charges over Friday's rumour-strewn car crash that saw him pull out of the Chevron World Challenge this week.

Local police said the 14-time major winner was solely to blame for the collision outside his house in a luxury suburb of Florida, which left him with facial injuries and semi-conscious.

The 33-year-old faces only a traffic citation for careless driving, punishable by a $164 fine and four points on his license.

'Mr Woods has satisfied the requirements of Florida law by providing his driver's licence, registration and proof of insurance to us,' said Major Cindy Williams of Florida highways patrol.

But the repercussions of the crash, which saw Woods strike a fire hydrant and a tree, could have a greater impact on the golf legend's personal life as rumours continue to swirl around its circumstances.

In a statement released over the weekend the world's highest-earning sportsman hit back at the 'false, unfounded and malicious rumours' surrounding the accident.

'This situation is my fault, and it's obviously embarrassing to my family and me,' the 14-time major winner said.

'I'm human and I'm not perfect. I will certainly make sure this doesn't happen again.'

Yesterday Woods said he would not compete in the Chevron World Challenge, a tournament he has himself hosted since 2000.

The world number one said injuries sustained in the crash made his participation impossible, and that he would return to action in 2010.

Tiger Woods pulls out of World Challenge

Tiger Woods has confirmed he will not compete in this week's Chevron World Challenge, which he has hosted since 2000.

Golf's number one said he would be unable to play due to injuries he sustained during a car crash outside his home in Florida last week.

Rumours continue to abound about the true nature of the crash, which saw the 33-year-old collide his Cadillac SUV into a fire hydrant and a tree before being freed by his wife Elin Nordregen with a golf club.

'Due to injuries sustained in a one-car accident last week, Tiger Woods will be unable to play in the 2009 Chevron World Challenge,' a statement on Woods' official website said.

Woods himself said he was 'extremely disappointed' not to take part in his own tournament after being rendered semi-unconscious and suffering facial injuries in the crash.

'I am certain it will be an outstanding event and I'm very sorry that I can't be there,' he said.

Greg McLaughlin, president and chief executive officer of Tiger Woods Foundation, added: 'We support Tiger's decision and are confident the strong field and excellent course will provide an exciting week of competition at the Chevron World Challenge.'

Woods said he would not participate in any events in the remainder of 2009 and return to action in the next year.

In a statement released over the weekend the world's highest-earning sportsman hit back at the 'false, unfounded and malicious rumours' surrounding the accident.

'This situation is my fault, and it's obviously embarrassing to my family and me,' the 14-time major winner said.

'I'm human and I'm not perfect. I will certainly make sure this doesn't happen again.'

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell will replace Woods in the elite 18-strong field for the World Challenge, which starts on Thursday at the Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California.

Woods refuses to meet police over crash

Tiger Woods cancelled a meeting with Florida state police for a third time on Sunday after hitting out at 'false, unfounded and malicious rumours' surrounding his car crash.

In a statement on his official website the 33-year-old said Friday's collision was a 'private matter'.

Initial reports on Friday said the world's number one golfer had sustained serious injuries when his Cadillac SUV struck a fire hydrant then a tree outside his house in a luxury suburb of Orlando, Florida.

In Sunday's statement the 14-time major winner said he suffered some cuts and a bruised ego.

Woods explained that no other vehicle had been involved in the crash and that it had been his fault alone, as well as praising the actions of his wife Elin Nordregen who reportedly used a golf club to smash the rear windshield of the car in order to drag her husband out on to the front lawn.

'This situation is my fault, and it's obviously embarrassing to my family and me,' he said.

'I'm human and I'm not perfect. I will certainly make sure this doesn't happen again.

'This is a private matter and I want to keep it that way. Although I understand there is curiosity, the many false, unfounded and malicious rumours that are currently circulating about my family and me are irresponsible.

'The only person responsible for the accident is me. My wife, Elin, acted courageously when she saw I was hurt and in trouble. She was the first person to help me. Any other assertion is absolutely false.

'This incident has been stressful and very difficult for Elin, our family and me. I appreciate all the concern and well wishes that we have received. But, I would also ask for some understanding that my family and I deserve some privacy no matter how intrusive some people can be.'

But the statement has done little to extinguish the rumours swirling around the crash, added to by the release of a neighbour's 911 call on Friday night.

Florida state police have had requests for meetings with Woods turned down three times for various reasons.

Woods is not obliged to give a statement on the crash, he must only present his license, registration and proof of insurance.

Fisher wins World Match Play Championship

England's Ross Fisher has scooped the biggest title of his career after claiming victory in the World Match Play Championship in Spain.

Fisher claimed a 4&3 victory over American Anthony Kim on the 15th hole of the Finca Cortesin course – handing him the most prestigious individual match-play crown on the European Tour.

His victory was built on an impressive run in the front nine of the second 18 holes of the final, when he claimed two birdies and an eagle at the third, fourth and fifth holes.

The 28-year-old's first round against Kim was equally impressive as he carded a five-under-par 67 before surging clear in the afternoon.

'It's been a long, gruelling week,' admitted Fisher, who played an amazing 126 holes across the four-day competition.

'Anthony Kim is a gritty competitor, one of the grittiest around.

'I was happy to get a lead at lunch, and I continued to play really positively.

'My caddy told me to carry on fighting, and take it one shot at a time. Fortunately the putter finally got a little bit hot.'

Fisher earned his spot in the final after a last-four victory over Angel Cabrera.

He also beat Camilo Villegas and Jeev Milkha in the group stage but lost to fellow Englishman Lee Westwood.

Golf and Rugby Sevens accepted to Olympics

Rugby Sevens and golf have both been accepted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for inclusion in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janiero.

The decision, which required a simple majority vote for each sport at the IOC Congress in Copenhagen, will mean a massive jump in sponsorship opportunities for Rugby Sevens, which is keen to further expand its growing fanbase.

And golf, although seen by many as too elitist a sport to be included in the Games, was also accepted after receiving the green light from the executive board in the summer.

The proposed formats for the two sports will see a 72-hole strokeplay competition for men and women in golf, with 60 players in each field.

Rugby Sevens is expected to see 12 men's teams and 12 women's teams competing in intertwined round-robin tournaments, although in the presentation to the IOC the sport's organisers suggested this number could be increased depending on various logistical issues.

Rugby Sevens easily received the required majority, polling 81 votes of a possible 106 from the committee with just eight in opposition and one abstention, while golf received 63 'yes' votes, 27 'no' votes and two abstentions.

International Rugby Board (IRB) president Bernard Lapasset, who made the final presentation to the IOC at the Bella Centre, said the sport 'embraces loyal and fair play incorporating partnerships and team-work and would work successfully in amongst the Olympic family'.

And Ty Votaw of the PGA Tour, who led his sport's final presentation, said: 'We presented a very compelling case for our sport to be included.

'We have had unprecedented, unified support across the entire golfing world.'

The decision means the top professional golfers will now have the opportunity to compete for an Olympic medal in the same way as their professional tennis counterparts.

Golf and rugby sevens await IOC ruling

Leading names in both golf and rugby sevens are awaiting a ruling from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) today on whether they will be included in the 2016 Games and beyond.

The two sports were put forward to the IOC Congress in Copenhagen by the executive board for consideration, with a view to being unveiled as full Olympic sports in less than seven years' time.

President of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Bernard Lapasset will present his sport's case to the IOC session today, alongside a number of other high-profile individuals including former Argentina captain Agustín Pichot and All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu.

Speaking on behalf of golf will be the executive director of the IGF Olympic golf committee Ty Votaw, alongside current professionals Padraig Harrington and Michelle Wie.

A decision on whether both sports have achieved the majority vote needed to be included in 2016 is expected later this afternoon, and will be announced by IOC president Jacques Rogge from Copenhagen.

Rugby union last featured at the Games in 1924, but in the 15-man format (although Sevens has been in the Commonwealth Games since 1998), while golf has been absent from the Olympics since 1904.

Tiger loses in Atlanta but still pockets $10m

Tiger Woods failed to win the PGA Tour Championship event in Atlanta but still walked away with $10 million for finishing as the leading points scorer in the FedEx Cup.

The man who pipped him in Atlanta, Phil Mickelson, came second in the FedEx Cup points table.

A final round of 65 put Mickelson three shots clear of second-placed Woods, who could only fire 70.

But winning the FedEx Cup, and the pot of gold that goes with it, will be ample consolation for Woods who, despite failing to win a major in 2009, believes it has been a successful year considering his injury problems.

Mickelson will also be pleased at how his year has turned out after he displayed indifferent form in the early part of the season.

He said: 'This wasn't a banner year but this certainly makes it a better year than it was.'

Mickelson could well look back on a superb chipped shot from outside the green on the 16th hole as the shot which proved decisive in keeping Tiger at bay.

Irish player Padraig Harrington finished in joint fourth place with overnight leader Kenny Perry.

Harrington hoping to end 'miserable' season in style

Padraig Harrington is hoping for a win in the PGA Tour Playoffs to turn a 'miserable' season into a 'positive' one.

Harrington is one of the 30 players to have qualified for the end-of-season climax, competing for the FedEx Cup in Atlanta this evening with play due to start around 18:00 BST.

As number six seed, the Irish player fancies his chances of claiming the $10 million bonus for winning the event.

Any of the top five seeds, by virtue of winning the most points on the Tour this year, can scoop the big prize by triumphing at the East Lake Golf Club.

Top seed Tiger Woods, together with Steve Stricker, Jim Furyk, Zach Johnson and Heath Slocum, are the men with their own destiny in their hands.

It is a tournament where even 30th seed John Senden can lift the Cup if he tops the leader board and Woods finishes last.

Harrington is the man best-placed to ensure that the cup is lifted by a competitor outside the top five seeds. Having played 'good golf in the past few weeks' he feels he might have the form to cause an upset.

He said: 'If I can play well in the FedEx Cup and finish the season off with a win I would be able to look back at this year as a very positive one.

'I wasn't able to say that two months ago. It was pretty miserable at that stage and possibly one of those years you just have to write off.'

Woods has also had a mixed season - injury problems means he will end the season without adding to his haul of major championships, yet he has won six tournaments in 2009.

Both Woods' and Harrington's hopes could be boosted by the absence of defending FedEx Cup champion Vijay Singh. Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter also failed to make the 30-man field.

Woods wins BMW Championship

World number one Tiger Woods romped to an eight-shot victory in the BMW Championships to win his 71st PGA Tour title.

The American never looked into danger of surrendering his overnight lead of seven shots on a comfortable final day, which saw him birdie the seventh and ninth holes and hole an eagle putt at the 15th.

Woods' nearest challengers were countryman Jim Furyk, who won the title four years ago, and Australian rookie Marc Leishman.

The result means Woods now goes into the end-of-season tournament, the Tour Championship in Atlanta, ranked first in the FedEx Cup.

Yang defeats Woods to claim US PGA

South Korea's Yang Yong-Eun won the US PGA Championship after an impressive final round saw him defeat a faltering Tiger Woods.

The 37-year-old had started the last day two shots behind Woods, but went round in 70, compared to the American's 75, to clinch victory on eight under par.

England's Lee Westwood and Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy ended the tournament in joint third place, on three-under par.

Defending champion Padraig Harrington had also been in contention until the 8th hole when he hit the ball into the water twice, to finally record a quintuple-bogey, and drop from six-under to one-under par.

Woods had been hoping to claim a 15th major title and a fifth US PGA championship heading into Sunday.

However, for the first time in his career, the 33-year-old was unable to win a major he had led going into the final round.

It was his putting which ultimately let the world number one down, unable to hole a series of crucial puts and pull clear of Yang.

The South Korean, meanwhile, continued to play consistently, seemingly unaffected by the pressure.

'I knew the odds were against me. I tried to be the least nervous I have ever been and went for broke,' Yang said through a translator after the tournament.

'I've sort of visualised this quite a few times - playing against the best player in the history of golf, playing with him in the final round in a major. I have always dreamed about this.'

In winning the US PGA, Yang became the first ever Asian-born male winner of a major golf championship.