Barack Obama offers shamed golfer Tiger Woods encouragement in personal phone call of support

Support: Tiger Woods was personally called by President Barack Obama who offered the shamed golfer support in rebuilding his life after his sex scandal


Tiger Woods received a phone call from Barack Obama offering him support as he tries to rebuild his life, it is claimed.

Mr Obama, himself a keen golfer, is said to have contacted the 34-year-old Woods following his astonishing TV public apology for 'irresponsible and selfish' behaviour last month.

Ex-president Bill Clinton, himself no stranger to humiliating and public exposure over his extramarital affairs, is also thought to have called to offer his support

Woods's 14-minute statement, which was broadcast around the world and seen by millions, was his first public appearance since being linked to 12 mistresses.

His wife Elin Nordegren, 30, did not attend the public confession in front of a hand-picked audience of 40 at the Professional Golfers' Association in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Woods confessed to cheating on his wife and admitted he was undergoing treatment for sex addiction.


Drive: President Barack Obama is himself a keen golf player


According to golf writer Jamie Diaz, Mr Obama and Mr Clinton both then rang Woods.

Writing in Golf Digest magazine, Diaz claimed Mr Clinton's own experience in dealing with the storms over his infidelities were said to be 'particularly instructive'.

Meanwhile, President Obama is in 'excellent health' and 'fit for duty,' the White House physician announced yesterday after the 48-year-old commander-in-chief's first checkup since he took office.

Navy Captain Jeffrey Kuhlman said after the 90-minute examination he saw nothing that would prevent Obama fulfilling his term as president, but he added he had urged Mr Obama to continue trying to stop smoking.


Kindred spirits: Former U.S. President Bill Clinton - himself no stranger to sex scandals - also called Tiger Woods to offer support


Woods's mother Tida, who is quoted in the article, is thought to be the source of the information about Obama's call.

Tida revealed that shortly before the golf star's 34th birthday she accompanied her son to visit a Buddhist monk.


'I tell him, "Tiger, right now you are in a dark hole, and I know it's hard, but you can do it",' Tida is quoted as saying.

'You know Mom is strong, and you have my blood. You are strong, too. You made a big mistake, but now you know the cost. So you are going to be much better and stronger, a good husband and a good father. Just go to work like you do.'

Woods said in his press conference that he would be leaning on his Buddhist religion to help get his life back on track.

He is now thought to be at clinic in Arizona for continuing treatment but has not revealed when he plans to return to Golf.

Sports drinks maker Gatorade announced three days ago that they were severing all links with Woods.

Telephone giant AT&T and razor manufacturer Gillette were among the first sponsors to drop Woods after his many extra-marital affairs became known.

Woods's affairs are said to have so far cost him over £50m in sponsorship deals.



source: dailymail