Tiger Woods is fighting for his marriage - and golf will have to carry on without him while he does it.

The troubled world number one has finally confirmed to the world at large that he has been unfaithful to his Swedish wife Elin and is taking an indefinite break from the game which has made him a billionaire.

Unseen in public since the car crash outside his Florida home in the early hours of November 27, Woods' life has been turned upside down by revelations from a succession of women.

Now a career that has already brought him 14 majors, only four short of Jack Nicklaus' record, is going to take a back seat.

To his fans the big question is how long for. But for the family a bigger one remains - will it work?

The 33-year-old father of two said in his latest website statement: "I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children.

"I want to say again to everyone that I am profoundly sorry and that I ask forgiveness. It may not be possible to repair the damage I've done, but I want to do my best to try.

"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.

"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.

"Again, I ask for privacy for my family and I am especially grateful for all those who have offered compassion and concern during this difficult period."

The furore is unlike any golf has seen before, but it is not the first time the sport has to adjust to life without its biggest star, the person largely responsible for the huge growth in prize money and global interest.

It was only in February that Woods returned from eight months out following reconstructive knee surgery.

Others prospered, most notably Ireland's Padraig Harrington with victories at the Open and US PGA - the only two majors played during the American's enforced lay-off.

It took Woods only three events to win again on his return, but he was unable to add to his major haul during the season and with all that was going on in his private life it is no wonder why.

His agent Mark Steinberg has also issued a statement, saying: "The entirety of someone's life is more important than just a professional career.

"What matters most is a young family that is trying to cope with difficult life issues in a secluded and caring way.

"Whenever Tiger may return to the game should be on the family's terms alone."

Tim Finchem, commissioner of the US Tour, followed Woods' statement with his first official response since his greatest asset became headline news like never before.

"His priorities are where they need to be and we will continue to respect and honour his family's request for privacy," he said in a statement.

"We look forward to Tiger's return to the PGA Tour when he determines the time is right for him."

There have been calls for the world number one to make a public confession, possibly on the Oprah Winfrey show, but as the number of alleged relationships has grown and grown he has remained behind closed doors.

More drama came on Tuesday, however, when his mother-in-law was taken to hospital - again in the early hours - complaining of stomach trouble. She was released later the same day.

The exact circumstances of his car crash remain the subject of speculation.

He was treated in hospital for cuts, but by the time he pulled out of the following week's Chevron World Challenge in California the focus had turned from his injuries to the truth or otherwise of what was going on behind the scenes.

On December 2 he said, again on his website: "I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart.

"I have not been true to my values and the behaviour my family deserves. I am not without faults and I am far short of perfect. I will strive to be a better person and the husband and father that my family deserves."

Woods also claimed he and his family had been "hounded" to expose intimate details and had been "dismayed" at the media scrutiny.

Meanwhile, all his many sponsors were being contacted to see how they would react to Woods being shown in a totally new and unsavoury light.

"Tiger has been part of Nike for more than a decade," the clubs and clothing manufacturer said in a statement.

"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."

His return might well still come at the Accenture World Match Play in Arizona in February - the event in which he came back from his injury 10 months ago.

They pay him fortunes too, but they no longer have his image on the home page of its website.

Communications giant AT&T, meanwhile, commented: "We are presently evaluating our ongoing relationship with him."

Woods last played a tournament in Australia last month, winning the 82nd title of his 13-year professional career.