US golfer Tiger Woods is taking indefinite leave from professional golf to try to work on "healing" his family.
In a statement on his website, he said he was aware of the disappointment "my infidelity" had caused his family.
He said he wanted to "try to repair the damage done" and asked for privacy so his family "could heal".
In the UK, lawyers for the world number one golfer obtained an injunction preventing certain information purportedly about him being published.
On his website, Mr Woods said he was "profoundly sorry" and asked for forgiveness.
I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person
Tiger Woods
He said: "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."
He 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 the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Tour said it supported the golfer's decision, the Associated Press news agency reported.
Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said the celebrity's "priorities are where they need to be".
"We look forward to Tiger's return to the PGA Tour when he determines the time is right for him," he said.
Intense speculation
The UK injunction was granted by a judge at the High Court in London, 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.
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.
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.
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.
BBC News
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