( CNN ) -- Tiger Woods announced that he is taking `` an indefinite break '' from professional golf , according to a statement posted on his Web site Friday . `` 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 , '' the statement says . `` 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 . '' The 33-year-old golfer , who tops the sport 's world rankings , has been mired in controversy since he crashed his car outside his Florida mansion late last month . The crash prompted authorities to cite him for careless driving and fine him $ 164 . Woods was not required to talk to police about the wreck , and declined to talk with investigators on several occasions . In the week following the crash , Woods apologized for `` transgressions '' that let his family down , on the same day that gossip magazine US Weekly published a report alleging that Woods , who is married to Elin Nordegren , had an affair with a 24-year-old cocktail waitress named Jaimee Grubbs . US Weekly 's report followed a National Enquirer article before the crash that the athlete was having an affair with a New York nightclub hostess -- an assertion the hostess vigorously denied , according to The New York Post . See the statement on Woods ' Web site . It was not immediately clear how Woods ' hiatus would affect his sponsorships , though Nike , his main sponsor , issued a statement saying Woods `` and his family have Nike 's full support . '' `` He is the best golfer in the world and one of the greatest athletes of his era , '' Nike spokeswoman Beth Gast said in the statement . `` We look forward to his return to golf . '' The statement did not elaborate on whether Woods ' announcement would impact his business relationship with the sports equipment and clothing company , which has worked with him for more than a decade . Woods ' other sponsors include Gillette , Gatorade and Electronic Arts . The Professional Golfers ' Association Tour said it supports Woods and looks forward to his return to the game . `` We fully support Tiger 's decision to step away from competitive golf to focus on his family . His priorities are where they need to be , and we will continue to respect and honor his family 's request for privacy , '' the PGA Tour said in a statement Friday . `` We look forward to Tiger 's return to the PGA Tour when he determines the time is right for him . ''
NEW : Nike issues statement saying Woods and family have company 's `` full support . '' No word on how hiatus will affect lucrative sponsorships . TL;DR hurt that my infidelity has caused '' Woods ' statement : `` I am profoundly sorry and ... ask forgiveness ''