Tiger Woods has finally gone public with an apology.

In the 13 minute broadcast live around the world, he admitted to a string of infidelities and confirmed he had been undergoing treatment in a rehabilitation centre for 45 days.

He apologised a number of times to his family, friends and fans saying he was deeply sorry for his irresponsible and selfish behaviour. He said he was the only person to blame and had brought shame upon himself. He said that at the time he had set aside the core values he'd been brought up to believe in, and had begun to feel a sense of entitlement, convincing himslef that normal rules didn't apply to him. He had worked very hard to get where he was and he felt he should be entitled to enjoy all the temptations and benefits around him.

He added it had been hard to admit he needed help and that his 45 day spell at a rehabilitation centre was just the beginning of a long journey to recovery.

Woods said he was making a return to Buddhism to help his rehabilitation, saying he had been schooled in the faith as a youngster by his Thai mother.

He made it clear that his wife Erin had never been violent towards him and had acted with the utmost grace and dignity throughout.

He gave no indication as to when he would return to golf, though he did say he would be back, and perhaps it would be this year.