Florida, Feb 19 (AFP) – Tiger Woods' stellar golf career is on hold as the world's most recognizable player puts his focus on becoming "a better man."
"I do plan to return to golf one day," Woods said Friday in his first public comments since a sex scandal engulfed him in November.
"I just don't know when that day will be. I don't rule out that it will be this year.
"When I do return, I need to make my behavior more respectful of the game."
Since Woods announced in December he was taking an indefinite break from golf, speculation has raged as to when the 14-time major champion would return to competition and renew his pursuit of Jack Nicklaus' record 18 major titles.
But Woods, who commands a legion of fans worldwide, said personal and family matters come first now.
"I owe it to my family to become a better person. I owe it to those closest to me to become a better man," he said. "That's where my focus will be."
Woods, speaking at the US PGA Tour headquarters, said he would return on Saturday to continue therapy, after receiving treatment as an in-patient for 45 days.
