PGA commissioner fully behind Woods

PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem gave his full backing to scandal-hit Tiger Woods and said the public would now root for him as an underdog.

Finchem, who said he had not spoken to Woods since the series of scandals over extra-marital affairs began, said in a television interview with CNBC that he did not know when Woods, who has taken an 'indefinite break', would return to golf.

'It could be weeks, it could be months, it could be an extended period of time,' said the commissioner.

'I have not spoken to him since all this started, I have observed his request for privacy and all of us support his decision to step away. I think it was the right thing to do at this point in time,' said Finchem.

Finchem said he had spoken to the world number one's representatives but did not elaborate on that contact.

Saying that Woods's absence would not seriously impact the sport's finances and that he was more worried about the recession than the loss of his top box office draw, Finchem added that the game was bigger than one player.

'I think that people recognise that this is an individual's personal life. The game of golf, it was bigger than Jack Nicklaus when Jack was dominating the game, it is bigger than Tiger when Tiger is dominating the game - it will go on,' he said.

'Tiger is going to retire at some point, Jack retired. I think people will look at the number one athlete of the decade and pull for him, now really in an underdog position, to deal with these issues, to come back, to win golf tournaments and to go back to stimulating young people and fans to the sport.

'Certainly that is what I look forward to and not just because it is good business. I see a guy who is so dedicated, so focused and brings it every time he tees it up and is focused on a foundation that has done great things for thousands and thousands of kids -- I don't think all that gets washed away because of these personal issues.

'I just hope for his sake and his family's sake, a beautiful family, that things can work out for him to come back.'