Latest Tiger Woods Update:  Tiger Woods says he is “taking an indefinite leave” from golf and for the first time mentioned the word “infidelity”.  In a post on his website, Woods said he would concentrate instead on being a “better husband, father and person”.  That would seem to mean wife Elin has not yet decided to leave him despite the statements of multiple women who say they had affairs or relationships with him during his marriage.

The embattled star’s apology meter did climb a bit since his last missive in which he railed against the tabloids and begged for everyone to leave him alone.

Woods has yet to speak about his car accident or anything else associated with the ongoing saga that has created a firestorm once thought to be much ado about nothing.

Woods’ statement:

“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. 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.

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.

Again, I ask for privacy for my family and I am especially grateful for all those who have offered compassion and concern during this difficult period.

The PGA of America, in its efforts to demonstrate its corporate citizenship, invited approximately 200 Kentucky based charities to participate in the 37^th Ryder Cup Community Relations Program.  Collectively $849,325 was generated to benefit programs that target youth education, wellness, fitness and sports.

The 37^th Ryder Cup was contested Sept. 16-21, 2008, at Valhalla Golf Club.

The following programs were among the beneficiaries:

• The PGA of America joined with Cobalt Artworks to present checks totaling $22,000 to Louisville’s Muhammad Ali Center and The First Tee of Louisville.   The contributions were the result of an online auction of one-of-a-kind portraits created by famed American artist LeRoy Neiman of 2008 Ryder Cup U.S. Captain Paul Azinger and European Captain Nick Faldo.

The on-line auction drew bids from art collectors and sports fans from all over the world. The successful bidder is golf enthusiast Ian Inglis of Scotland.  Through Inglis’s arrangement, both paintings will go on display in spring 2009 at the British Golf Museum in St. Andrews, Scotland.  The Museum is directly opposite The Royal and Ancient Golf Clubhouse and just 67½ yards from the first tee of the Old Course.

· The WHAS Crusade for Children recently received a $50,000 donation as a result of The PGA of America hosting The Ryder Cup Captains’ Challenge, conducted Sept. 17, 2008 at Hurstbourne Country Club

· The Ryder Cup Captains’ Celebration, marking the one-year-out point for the event, raised $35,361 for four charitable organizations:  Down Syndrome of Louisville, Louisville Urban Youth Golf Program, The Children’s Hospital Foundation, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana.

· The PGA provided 158 charities two weekly Ryder Cup tickets to use as auction items to support their fund raisers.  These tickets were given to charitable organizations that provide community services in the areas of healthcare, youth and family services as well as youth sports.  Collectively $537,000 was raised by these charities to support their causes.

· Levy Restaurants, the concessions, food and beverage partner of The PGA, supported the Ryder Cup Community Relations efforts through its Levy Cares initiatives and its Concession Non-for-Profit Program.  For the Ryder Cup, six organizations provided approximately 115 volunteers per day.  In return, these organizations received a portion of all alcohol and food sales from the six concession stands being run throughout the course.

Among the groups represented were the Heartland Flyers Competitive Cheerleading Group, St. Bernard Parent Teacher Organization, Becca’s Fliptown Gymnastics Booster Club, The Eastern High School Booster Club, The Louisville Youth Hockey Association and the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. These six charities shared $168,465 from this Levy Cares Program.

“It is a wonderful feeling for all members of The PGA of America to know that the excitement of one of the best Ryder Cups ever - played before the best fans in America in Kentucky – carries on through charitable work to benefit the citizens of Louisville,” said PGA of America President Jim Remy. “The Ryder Cup was born because of a desire to bring the best players on either side of the Atlantic together. In Louisville, thousands came together for one unforgettable, historic week and we are very pleased that the benefits will continue.”

“We believe the 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club was the best Ryder Cup in history,” said Walt Gahm, general chair of the 2008 Ryder Cup and founder of Valhalla Golf Club. “We were thrilled by the enthusiasm of the community and pleased to have used this event to develop awareness and funds for deserving organizations.”

(Click for a list of Ryder Cup memorabilia on eBay)