Woods a ‘positive asset’, says golf chief

US golf tour commissioner Tim Finchem believes Tiger Woods will still be a positive asset for golf whenever he returns.

Finchem has also tried to minimise the impact that the absence of the world number one and the nature of the scandal he is engulfed in will have on golf.

“I don’t see corporate America backing away from golf over Tiger’s issues.

“At the end of the day after all the media scrutiny, if he can successfully deal with those issues and come back that will be a positive thing.

“When you look back on the last 13 years Tiger Woods has been an incredibly positive asset and impactor for the PGA Tour.

“He has been good for the game and the Tour has been good for him. At this time we anticipate that mutual benefit will continue when it is right and we just have to see how that plays out.”

Woods announced an indefinite break from the sport last Friday after admitting his infidelity and apologising for his actions. Sponsor Accenture has already terminated its contract with him, Gillette are no longer using him in advertisements and other sponsors are considering their deals.

Finchem also does not have any concerns at the moment over Woods’ involvement with Anthony Galea, a sports injury specialist under criminal investigation concerning performance-enhancing drugs. “We have a vigorous testing programme and I have no reason to have a concern.”