You dont know how difficult it is to be Tiger,says mother

Tiger Woodss mother sat in the front row,arms folded across her black sweater,eyes fixed on her world-famous son as he...

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Tiger Woodss mother sat in the front row,arms folded across her black sweater,eyes fixed on her world-famous son as he apologised again for letting so many people down with his infidelity.

Kultida Woods usually is seen,not heard. She is the Thai woman with the wide-brimmed visor,leaning on a portable seat just beyond the ropes,now only at the Masters and his Chevron World Challenge. With rare exception,she does not give interviews.

Friday was different. After Woods and all but a few of his 40 associates left the room,Mrs Woods stayed in her seat. I would like to talk, she said as three wire service reporters approached.

It was her voice that was heard on the emergency phone call tape on the night of the November 27 car accident that led to revelations of Woodss rampant affairs. What happened? she could be heard in the background as Woods was found on the street next to his car.

Mrs Woods did not want to discuss details this thing is a family matter, she said only to reveal she was upset. Mostly,however,she is angry at media outlets that stalked her in airports and the relentless coverage of Woodss downfall.

Tabloid media hurt him

Some of media,especially tabloid,hurt my son bad, said Mrs Woods,who moved to America some 40 years ago and speaks haltingly. Sometimes I think there are double standards. He didnt do anything illegal. He didnt kill anybody. But he is trying to improve himself. Hes trying to go to therapy and get help. He will come out a stronger and better person.

Woods walked directly to his mother when he finished his 13 1/2-minute statement. After they embraced,she placed her hands on his shoulders to speak to him. She said she whispered in his ear,Im so proud of you. Never think you stand alone. Mom will always be there for you,and I love you.

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She said his recovery from his extramarital affairs,and his eventual return to golf,would be the toughest road Woods ever faced. And he admit that, she said. I told him that he should learn from this. I never condemn my son. Thats the way you go through life. When you make a mistake,admit it. He never claimed he was god. If somebody condemns him,they should look at themselves first.

You dont know how difficult it is to be Tiger, she said. Not many people would want to be in his position. Its not easy being him. Tiger cant go to work from 8 to 5 and return home to have a life with his family.

When it was mentioned to Mrs. Woods that with fame and fortune comes public interest,she said he was only human and should be allowed to learn from his mistakes. I am so proud to be his mother,period, she said.