Tiger Woods News Conference Ahead of Masters

After five months, Tiger Woods held his first press conference today at Augusta ahead of the Masters. “His press conference is getting so much attention that Augusta National has asked media outlets for only one reporter to make sure every organization has a chance to fill the 207 seats in the press center,” writes the AP’s Doug Ferguson.

Woods has spoken little since the news of his infidelities became public, delivering a brief statement in February and giving five minute sit-downs to ESPN and the Golf Channel in March. CBS declined an interview at the time and CBS News and Sports President Sean McManus has said, “This year Tiger’s story is a major factor in the golf tournament and we are going to cover it fully.”

In his opening statement just after 2pmET, Woods said, “I apologize to all of [the other golfers] for having to endure what they’ve had to endure the past few months.”

Update: Woods said he was “surprised” by the treatment he received in the “mainstream media,” but added, “I think also the times have changed as well. With 24-hour news…you’re looking for any kind of news to get out there.”

The conference is being carried on the above networks as well as CNN International and ESPN News (ESPN and ESPN2 have opening day baseball).

Update: The conference lasted 36 minutes and Woods fielded a wide variety of questions from different outlets.

PRNewser has more on the public relations side.

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