Tiger pause receives support from golf world

Tiger Woods received support for his decision to take an indefinite break from golf from the players and officials who have ridden his fame to record prize money and rich TV profits.

Woods yesterday admitted to "infidelity" in a website statement, adding, "after much soul searching I've decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father and person."

A golf world that has been largely shaped over the past 12 years by the 14-ime major champion repaid a bit of the debt owed the 14-time major champion for luring huge fan interest and sponsorship money to the sport worldwide.

"It's great that he's going to put his family first and work things out," world number three Steve Stricker said. "Golf will always be there. He wants to make sure his marriage is right and everything is good on the homefront.

"We'll sure miss him on tour until he gets things taken care of... Now we're not sure when he's coming back. But this sounds good. I hope everything works out for him."

The US PGA Tour released a statement backing Woods and his decision to step away from the game to deal with the ongoing personal saga that has become global gossip fodder.

"We fully support Tiger's decision to step away from competitive golf to focus on his family," the PGA Tour statement said.