Tiger Woods reacts during the HSBC Champions golf tournament in Shanghai in this November 5, 2009 file photo. Woods said on December 11 he would take an "indefinite break" from professional golf, acknowledging the disappointment and hurt his "infidelity" had caused his family. [Xinhua/Reuters]

The scandal-tainted golf superstar Tiger Woods said on Friday that he will take an "indefinite" leave from professional golf to spend more time to save his family.

"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," Woods said in a statement posted on his website.

The golfer asked everyone, including his fans, for understanding and respect to his family's privacy so that he and his family have "the time, privacy, and safe haven" needed 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," he said.

Woods did not specify how long the planned break would be.

The golf superstar has been entangled in a number of infidelity scandals after a recent car accident.