( CNN ) -- Golf legend Tom Watson says Tiger Woods needs to `` clean up his act '' and show some humility in public when he returns to the circuit after sorting out his tangled personal life . World number one Woods is taking an `` indefinite break '' from the circuit after a car crash outside his Florida home on November 27 led to revelations about a string of extramarital affairs . Elder statesman Watson , who came close to winning last year 's British Open at Turrnberry , aired candid views on Woods as he prepared to tee up in this week 's Dubai Desert Classic . `` Tiger has to take ownership of what he has done , '' said the 60-year-old . `` He must get his personal life in order . I think that 's what he 's trying to do . And when he comes back he has to show some humility to the public , '' he added . `` I would come out and I would do an interview with somebody and say , ` You know what ? I screwed up . And I admit it . I am going to try to change . I am trying to change . I want my wife and family back . '' Watson , who dueled with fellow legend Jack Nicklaus at the peak of his career , also criticized Woods for his behavior on the course , upbraiding him for bad language and angry outbursts . `` I feel that he has not carried the same stature that other great players that have come along like Jack ( Nicklaus ) , Arnold ( Palmer ) , Byron Nelson , the Hogans , in the sense that there was language and club throwing on the golf course , '' Watson went on : `` I think he needs to clean up his act and show the respect for the game that other people before him have shown . '' Woods , who has not made a public appearance since the media storm which engulfed him at the end of 2009 , has lost a string of endorsements since he admitted to `` transgressions '' in his personal life . The 14-time major winner has also been a regular at the prestigious tournament in Dubai , which completes the `` Gulf swing '' on the European Tour . In his absence , Watson is the star attraction after his heroics at Turnberry which saw him beaten in a playoff by fellow American Stewart Cink . Watson , who has already won the Seniors Tour this year , has played down his chances of victory but has been impressed by the condition of the Emirates course . `` The rough is very tough , '' he said . `` It is very tough to get the ball on the green from the rough . You have probably only got a one-in-seven or one-in-eight chance to get the green if you drive into the rough . '' Northern Ireland 's Rory McIlroy defends the title where he made his big breakthrough last year , with European number one Lee Westwood and Sweden 's Henrik Stenson also among the favorites for the $ 416,000 first prize .
Golf journalist Tom Watson says Tiger Woods needs to clean up his game . Watson compares Woods unfavorably with other players such as Jack Nicklaus . Watson is making a surprise appearance at this year 's Dubai Desert Classic . Rory McIlroy defends his title which boasts a first prize of $ 5000 .