Tiger not out of the Woods over his worst drive

Supporters and critics of Tiger Woods made his website a forum for their anguish, anger and speculation about the golf superstar Monday as controversy swirled around the 14-time major winner.

Woods will miss this week's Chevron World Challenge, a charity event he hosts, because of injuries from his one-car crash early Friday morning, and not return to competition until next year.

Speculation swirls that he was in the vehicle after a dispute with his wife Elin over an affair became heated. While Woods has denied the idea, his silence regarding details of the incident has spurred talk from fans and critics alike.

More than 4,000 messages were posted on Woods's website in response to his Sunday statement, and his Monday announcement that he would not play in the Chevron World Challenge rebooted the on-line posting discussion.

"When are you going to come clean and let us know what REALLY happened and why you felt the need to be driving your SUV in the middle of the night?" one poster asked barely five minutes after the announcement.

"Your reputation is certainly in question. Save it before it lands in the toilet."

Another advised getting in front of the story.

"Tiger, Tiger, Tiger... You bloodied your lip and you now back out of your own tournament? Forget about what, why & how, the accident happened. Your gonna need to face the media sooner or later... Sooner always works."

A poster using the nickname "TigerWoodsPGATOUR" wondered why he was good enough to come home from the hospital but not to play and added - "Tell me this are you RUNNING FROM YOUR WIFE!!!"

Voodoomagic5 defended Woods, saying, "EVERYONE, LEAVE TIGER ALONE! his private life is his private life! we all know and love him as a golfer! as a golfer, nothing has changed! everyone should mind your own business!"

Hhammer felt the disappointment of Woods's silence keenly, saying, "I have been a fan of yours for a very long time Tiger, but I have to say, you disappoint me.

I understand you're a private person, and I don't blame you (I would be too). However, the way you are handling this controversy is shameful.

"I hate to watch you ruin your image over this. You, of all people, I expected to show responsibility and courage when faced with this incident.

I beg of you to come out and tell the truth, even if it is a brief statement."

A self-proclaimed New Zealand poster wrote: "Tiger, This is no one elses business, stick to your guns, the media have a lot to answer for the problems they cause, all the best from a N.Z. fan."

Many said what Woods does off the course is not for public scrutiny, including Beaper, who wrote - "What's the matter with you thinking Tiger OWES us an explanation for his actions? Want to know why there are so many storys out there concerning the Woods family and their percieved family problems? It's because these sleazy publications/TV hosts are in the business of feeding the trough you nitwits are eating from!! Tiger and Elin owe us nothing!"

Another noted the rumors of Woods having an affair even while pointing out Woods would be far from the first famous athlete in such a situation, noting basketball star Kobe Bryant's infidelity.

"Whatever comes of this I will continue to be a fan, but I will be disappointed if the rumors of you being with another woman are true," posted sbalford. "If the public and media can forgive Kobe for what he did with that woman I think the public and media can forgive Tiger Woods."