The Thai mother of golf star Tiger Woods is reportedly and understandably disappointed in her son for adultery, but will support him in his personal crisis according to a report in the Bangkok Post..

The Post said Kultida Woods, a native of Kanchanaburi who met Tiger’s late father Earl when both worked at Jusmag military headquarters in Bangkok, “is hurt, angry and disappointed in Tiger,” a friend told People magazine. “She wants to know how he could do this to his family.”

The magazine quoted the source as adding: “It was devastating to her. She likes Elin, and adores her grandchildren. She’s worried about them. She doesn’t want to see them hurt.”

However, according to the story, Tiger’s mother “loves him and will support him through anything, but she needs some time to work through this.”

While Tiger’s wife Elin is spending the holidays in Sweden, Woods will be spending the time on his yacht named Privacy. A witness in Florida told a local newspaper he saw Woods hitting golf balls, alone, at a driving range late at night.

The friend of Mrs Kultida said that Tiger is “ devastated about everything he has lost. He’ll go through some dark times. It’s going to be a lonely Christmas for him.”

The family friend of Tiger’s mother was quoted as saying that she likes Tiger’s wife Elin and “adores her grandchildren. She’s worried about them. She doesn’t want to see them hurt.” Kultilda would reportedly visit Tiger and Elin often  and in the process grew close to her daughter-in-law.

The now uncontrollable media frenzy has resulted in reports that Tiger’s own father cheated on Mrs Kutilda “a lot”" when they were married and the friend indicated  this must be such a big blow to her.

In  an ironic twist of fate golf legend Seve Ballesteros will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement award at the  BBC’s  Sports Personality of the Year ceremony on Sunday just as probably the greatest golfer of all-time, Tiger Woods, decides to take a break from golf in the midst of a major backlash from the discovery of his marital infedility.

BBC Sport reported that the 52-year-old Ballestero who won five majors in an illustrious career, has been given the award in recognition of his contribution to the sport. The Spaniard  won the Open three times, the Masters twice as well as playing an inspirational role in the Ryder Cup.

Ballesteros is recovering from a brain tumor that required four operations.

Beyond his major victories, Ballesteros has been recognized as the driving force behind the transformation of European golf into a serious rival for the game in the United States.

He played a leading role in Europe’s breakthrough Ryder Cup victory in 1985 to begin two decades of dominance.  And Ballesteros fulfilled a lifelong ambition when he captained the Europeans to victory over the US in Spain in 1997.

After a total of 87 tournament wins, he retired from golf in 2007 following arthritic back and knee problems late in his career.

The extremely popular and likeable Ballesteros was diagnosed with a brain tumor after briefly losing consciousness at Madrid Airport on 6 October, 2008 and has since undergone surgery four times to remove a tumor in the brain and to reduce swelling in his skull and has lost most of the sight in his left eye.

Ballesteros said earlier this year that “this is the biggest battle of my life, this is the sixth major”.

He is planning a farewell appearance for British fans at the Open next year at St Andrews, the venue where he won the second of his three Claret Jugs in 1984.

In the meantime Tiger Woods who has come under increasing fire for his infidelity has issued a statement on his website in which he said he was aware of the disappointment “my infidelity” had caused his family and that he wanted to “try to rbepair the damage done” and asked for privacy.

He said that “after much soul-searching I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to foc us 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.

Golfing great Tiger Woods has apologized to his family in the face of mounting speculation that infidelity may have triggered an unexplained car crash last week.

In a statement Woods said “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 behavior my family deserves.”

BBC Sport reported that Woods was actually found bleeding and semi-conscious after his car hit a tree and fire hydrant outside his Florida home.

He was charged with careless driving, which carries a $164 fine and four points on his driving record.

Woods who is regarded as one of sports most saleable athletes because of his hitherto “clean” image has huge sponsorship deals with Nike and GM among others and in fact was among a roster of sporting greats in a Nike ad that includes NBA superstar Kobe Bryant and Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao.

Woods has been married to his Swedish wife Elin for five years and has two young children.

BBC Sport said Woods rumors that physical violence played any role in the incident, saying they were “utterly false and malicious”.

At the same time he, in a sense, lectured media saying “Personal sins should not require press releases and problems within a family shouldn’t have to mean public confessions” even as he added that he would “strive to be a better person and the husband and father that my family deserves.”

Woods issued the statement after an American gossip magazine alleged that a Los Angeles cocktail waitress had claimed to having had a 31-month affair with Woods.

Us Weekly magazine posted online an audio clip of what was purported to be Tiger Woods begging the 24-year-old woman to take her name off her voicemail greeting in order to hide their affair. The caller’s identity has not been verified.

In his statement, Woods also appealed for privacy for his family.

“Although I am a well-known person and have made my career as a professional athlete, I have been dismayed to realize the full extent of what tabloid scrutiny really means.I am dealing with my behavior and personal failings behind closed doors with my family. Those feelings should be shared by us alone.”

The golfer also offered a “profound apology” to his supporters.

Woods has become an international sporting icon since winning his first major in 1997 at the age of 21. The 33-year-old American, who is just four short of equalling Jack Nicklaus’s record of 18 major victories, is regarded as one of the world’s all-time great golfers.

BBC Sport said Woods has been fiercely protective of his personal life, and his clean-cut image has helped him amass a fortune through product endorsements and appearance fees.

Tiger Woods, the world’s No. 1 golfer will be fined by the PGA after his criticism of a rules official on the tour at the Bridgestone Invitational at Akron, Ohio’s Firestone Country Club which Woods won, after Padraig Harrington had a nightmare triple bogey on the 16^th hole, according to the British newspaper The Sun.

European Tour chief referee John Paramor reportedly told Woods and Harrington to speed up play on the par 5, 16^th hole which proved to be the

waterloo of Harrington whose horrendous eight virtually gave Woods the title.

Woods told Harrington “I’m sorry that John got in the way if a great battle.”

The horror hole came at a time when Harrington was ahead by one stroke even as Woods birdied the hole for what The Sun newspaper described as “a stunning four-shot swing.”

Woods also birdied the 18^th hole and finished with a second successive five-under-par round of 65 and a 12-under total of 268.

Harrington scrambled a par on the final hole for a two-over 72 and an eight-under total of 272.That was only good enough to give him a share of second place with Aussie Robert Allenby.

Harrington told BBC Sport he was knocked out of his comfort zone by Paramor s aying “when you’re out of position, its difficult to be on the clock.”

He said “I was out of position on the tee shot, second shot and third shot. I was in trouble every time and it just puts a little bit of added doubt into the equation. It certainly knocked me out of my comfort zone” although he conceded there are rules that need to be followed.

In a commendable effort to preserve valuable artifacts, cultural items and important materials related to the history of one of the oldest Postal Services in Asia , the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) will embark on a project to establish a Postal Museum located at the historic Manila Central Post Office building in Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila .

Plans are to have the project funded by donations from the private sector, with Philpost management under Postmaster General Hector Villanueva and a private Foundation which will soon be established, leading the way.

To kick-start the project a golf tournament titled the First Postmaster General’s Cup will be held at the historic Club Intramuros on August 19. Postmaster General Villanueva said Club Intramuros “is the perfect venue for the event for its historic significance which ties in perfectly with the equally historic and cultural importance of the beneficiary project.”

Villanueva said “The historic walls of Intramuros and the magnificent edifice of the post office building at the heart of Manila remind us to love our past and treasure these places for the future.The Museum when completed will be a spectacular gem that will be added to the tiara of cultural, heritage and tourism sites in the heart of the city of Manila.”

The major historical, heritage, cultural and tourism sites are centered in the area where the proposed museum will be located. These include, the National Museum , the National Library, the historic walls of Intramuros, For Santiago, Jose Rizal Park , Manila Oceanarium, Manila Historical and Heritage Museum , San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral, Manila Hotel, Manila City Hall and the Metropolitan Theater.

Villanueva said thee Museum will “promote greater awareness and appreciation of the Filipino cultures and societies, and the Philippines ’ place in Asian history. It will encourage dialog and collaboration with other counterpart academic and cultural Institutions in the ASEAN region through the promotion of stamps and postal services,” Villanueva said.  One can even practically trace the history of our country through the history of stamps and other postal artifacts.”

The Spaniards started postal service in the country in 1783, which developed into a more formal system in 1854 until General Emilio Aguinaldo established the first all Filipino Postal Service in November 1898, from which date the Anniversary is being observed. The Philippine Postal service is the first ever established in Asia which handled mail to foreign countries.

Villanueva urged all sectors to support the establishment of the Museum, through participation in the many facets of its development, but more importantly in generating funds for its construction and, eventually to sustain its operations.

The scheduled tournament will be open to all sponsors and players that would like to participate and help with the funding of the project. Tickets are priced at two thousand five hundred pesos, (P 2,500.00) which will include give aways, green and caddy fees, insurance, lunch and raffle participation.

Interested parties may contact the Tournament Director, Assistant Postmaster General, Louie Carlos at the Central Post Office Building, Telephone No. 527-96-01, or Ms. Rose Tubal at Telephone No. 527-58-71. Queries may also be directed to the Office of the Postmaster General at Tel. 527-83-27 to 30 or, via e-mail addressed to: carlosld88@yahoo.com.

The Philippine Tourism Authority and the Department of Tourism have shown great enthusiasm and support for the project. The PTA which operates the Intramuros Club has allowed the use of the iconic golf course free of charge as part of its initial contribution.

The Pagcor Golf Club will assist the tournament group from Philpost in the organization and management of the entire tournament. Tee off time and system of scoring will be announced later.

Tiger Woods warns his pretenders he’s still going to dominate the game

By James Nursey of The Mirror

Tiger Woods has got his “explosive” power back - and is ready to blow away Rory McIIroy and the rest of golf’s young guns.

The World No.1 tees it up competitively today for the first time since knee surgery in June after his epic US Open victory.

The American admits he still cannot believe he won at Torrey Pines because his left knee was so painful.

Woods, 33, has had his anterior cruciate ligament successfully rebuilt to withstand the rigours of his forceful swing. And he’ll put it to the test against Aussie Brendan Jones in his comeback round today at the Accenture World Match Play in Arizona.

“I feel great,” insisted Woods.

“I didn’t think it would feel this good before the surgery or even just after because I hadn’t known what it’s like to have it feel this solid and secure. “Both legs are stronger than they ever have been and stability is something I haven’t had in years. It’s nice to be able to hit into it for the first time.Once you start feeling a little bit more explosive, the movements start coming back.”

“But I haven’t forgotten what it was like at Torrey Pines - knowing it was a struggle each and every shot, it was a tough week.” Woods knows the professional game has not stood still while he was sidelined and Irishman McIlroy, 19, is No.17 in the world after winning the Dubai Desert Classic.

Woods is a big fan of McIlroy, Camilo Villegas, Anthony Kim and exciting amateur Danny Lee, 18, who has just won the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth.

“I saw that Rory won in Dubai,” added Woods. “I also saw some of the other guys have been playing well too and I think it’s great.It’s the new young crop of players. It’s good to see the game is youthful. It is a different generation than mine, but it’s great to see.

“We need that youthfulness in our sport and we need that injection of new blood. It’s just a matter of them getting the experience and playing well and it’s good to see that they’re winning tournaments around the world.”

American star Mark O’Meara has already claimed teenager McIIroy has a better swing than his pal Woods had at the same age.

Woods remains confident he can continue to dominate but his obsession with the game is clearly waning.

He claims his injury even did him a favour as it enabled him to spend more time with wife Elin, new-born son Charlie and daughter Sam Alexis, born in June 2007.

Woods said: “I didn’t realise how much I loved being home and being around Sam, E and now Charlie. It was a blessing in disguise. We have had so much fun, so many great times.”

SEE WHO’S ARRIVED SINCE YOU’VE BEEN GONE, TIGER

Camilo Villegas The flamboyant 27-year-old Colombian has climbed into the world’s top 10 after winning twice on the US Tour last year.

Anthony Kim The 23-year-old, now world No.11, showed his feisty qualities at the Ryder Cup after winning twice in America last season.

Rory McILROY The Ulsterman, 19, won his first European Tour event at the Dubai Desert Classic and will make his pro debut in the US today.

Danny Lee The 18-year-old became the youngest ever winner on the European Tour when he won the Johnnie Walker Classic.

Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera (r) beating Prince Naseem Hamed in 2001

An old boxing sage once told me that he measured the capability of a fighter on the face of a clock. At 12 o’clock, the boxer is at his peak. At five to, he’s almost there. At five past, he’s just heading over the hill. Can Marco Antonio Barrera turn back the clock?

Hopefully Manny Pacquiao can give Khan some tips as he’s fought Barrera before

At the news conference to announce the fight, Khan’s promoter Frank Warren said it was the biggest step-up in class he’d ever asked one of his prospects to take. It’s a roll of the dice, he later told us on Five Live.   The gamble is a calculated one, containing two elements which have become familiar in Warren’s match-making formula when pitting a young prospect against a big name: Barrera is past his best and all his best form belongs in lower weight divisions.   Even so, it’s some form. A world champion at three weights, he’s the only man to beat Naseem Hamed and a 2-1 winner over fellow-Mexican Erik Morales in one of the great boxing trilogies of all time.   Two fights ago, Barrera was outpointed by Manny Pacquiao. Two fights ago, Khan was bludgeoned to the canvas by Breidis Prescott. Since then, Khan has linked up with Freddie Roach at the Wild Card gym in Hollywood in a move which could prove to be the most important of his career.   Roach was in Pacquiao’s corner for both fights against Barrera (both wins) and told Five Live Boxing that Khan is ready for the upgrade.

“Potentially, it’s a contest of beauty and brutality. But whose time is it?”

“I know what styles Barrera struggles with so we’ll bring in the perfect sparring partners. He’s a tough, tough guy but we’ll have an A plan and a B plan.”   Roach will be in Khan’s corner for the first time but the onus is on Khan to make his own adjustments also.   Barrera’s performance against Pacquiao in their most recent clash indicated that, although he turns 35 this month, he’s retained much of his guile if not his reflexes.   If Prescott found the gaps, surely Barrera can too. Or will a second, intensive training camp with Roach be enough to shore up the leaks in Khan’s defence?   Weight, reach, youth and speed are all in Khan’s favour. Yet Barrera has the pedigree and the experience to nullify them all.

Potentially, it’s a contest of beauty and brutality. But whose time is it? March 14th… get out the calendar and start ticking off the days.