Tiger Taking A Break

Tiger Woods will take time off from the U.S. PGA Tour while his father battles serious illness, the world No. 1 told a news conference Thursday.
Woods said it was possible he would not make an appearance in a golf tournament before the U.S. Open in June.

He did not give specific details of his planned break, except to say he would not start playing "for a while" and the failing health of his father, Earl Woods, would have a major influence on his future program.

"It's kind of up in the air with the situation back home, so I don't know what's going to happen," said Woods, who is in New Zealand to attend the wedding of his caddie Steve Williams. He is also due to drive in a charity motor race Monday on New Zealand's North Island.

"I'm taking time off. I'm here for this event and for Steve, and to enjoy time off and be with my father, so I won't play for a while," Woods said.

"My father is hanging in there, the guy is an absolute fighter and walking miracle."
Woods said he would definitely seek his 11th major title in the U.S. Open at Winged Foot, New York, from June 15 to 18.

New Zealand's Michael Campbell holds the Open title.