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Tiger Woods takes break from golf UK gagging order over Tiger Woods
(about 7 hours later)
Tiger Woods is taking an indefinite break from professional golf to tackle problems in his private life. Lawyers for US golfer Tiger Woods have obtained a UK injunction preventing certain information purportedly about him being published.
In a statement on his website, he said he was aware of the disappointment "my infidelity" had caused to his family. The order was granted by a judge at the High Court in London, and concerns alleged information which cannot be disclosed for legal reasons.
The world's top golfer said he wanted to "try to repair the damage done" and asked for privacy. Last week Woods apologised to his family for "transgressions".
Woods' biggest sponsor, Nike, said it would continue to stand by him, but his agent said it was too early to discuss the impact on any other business deals. Speculation about his private life has been intense since he was involved in a car crash outside his Florida home.
On his website, Woods said he was "profoundly sorry" and asked for forgiveness.
For golf Woods' downfall is damaging. The PGA Tour was quick to express support for his decision, but will be concerned at the prospect of trying to renew sponsor contracts next year with so much uncertainty surrounding the future of their biggest calling card Iain CarterBBC 5 Live golf correspondent Only option was to stay away
"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," the 33-year-old said.
"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."
In a separate statement, he also indicated he would be taking some time off from his responsibilities with the Tiger Woods Foundation - a charity he set up with his late father to help young people.
He said he knew his staff would continue efforts to maintain the foundation's work during his "absence".
Tiger Woods says his family needs a safe haven for healing to commence
Woods has been married to his wife, Elin, for five years and they have a two-year-old daughter and 10-month-old son.
In a statement, Nike said: "Tiger has been part of Nike for more than a decade."
"He is the best golfer in the world and one of the greatest athletes of his era. We look forward to his return to golf."
"He and his family have Nike's full support."
'Thoughtful conversations'
Woods' agent, Mark Steinberg, also voiced his support for the golfer's decision but said it was "premature" to discuss particular business deals.
"Suffice it to say, we have had thoughtful conversations and his sponsors have been open to a solution-oriented dialogue," he said.
"Of course, each sponsor has unique considerations and ultimately the decisions they make we would fully understand and accept."
In a statement the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Tour said it supported the golfer's decision.
Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said the celebrity's "priorities are where they need to be".
Tiger Woods profile Will sponsors back Tiger Woods? Daly backs Woods
"We look forward to Tiger's return to the PGA Tour when he determines the time is right for him," he added.
In London, Woods' lawyers obtained an injunction on Friday preventing certain information purportedly about him being published.
It was granted by a judge at the High Court, and concerns alleged information which cannot be disclosed for legal reasons.
Last week, Woods apologised to his family for "transgressions".
Speculation about his private life has been intense since he was involved in a car crash outside his Florida home two weeks ago.
Newspaper allegations followed about extra-marital affairs.Newspaper allegations followed about extra-marital affairs.
Woods has not been seen in public since the accident, in which his car hit a tree and fire hydrant.Woods has not been seen in public since the accident, in which his car hit a tree and fire hydrant.
The golfer, who was found bleeding and semi-conscious, was later charged with careless driving, which carries a $164 (£98) fine and four points on his driving record.The golfer, who was found bleeding and semi-conscious, was later charged with careless driving, which carries a $164 (£98) fine and four points on his driving record.
Woods has become an international sporting icon since winning his first major in 1997 at the age of 21.Woods has become an international sporting icon since winning his first major in 1997 at the age of 21.
He is just four short of equalling Jack Nicklaus's record of 18 major victories and is regarded as one of the world's all-time great golfers. At 33, he is just four short of equalling Jack Nicklaus's record of 18 major victories and is regarded as one of the world's all-time great golfers.