More women exposed in Tiger Woods scandal

Los Angeles, Dec 8 (DPA) US tabloids identified more alleged mistresses of golf superstar Tiger Woods Monday as the scandal prompted by his late night car crash last month continued to gather steam.

The New York Post reported that the number of women linked to the 33-year-old golf champ is as high as nine, including various waitresses, nightclub hostesses and even a porn star.

The stories detailing his allegedly lengthy dalliances with the women came after Woods issued a terse statement last week apologising for his 'transgressions'.

'I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart,' Woods said in a statement posted on his website. 'I have not been true to my values and the behaviour my family deserves.'

Woods became a focus of tabloid inquiry after he crashed his car outside his house in the early hours of Nov 27 amid allegations of a massive fight between him and his wife Elin Nordegren.

His wife used a golf club to smash the back window and pull Woods from the vehicle. He reportedly was lying on the ground, semiconscious, until an ambulance arrived.

So far, seven women have said they were involved with the golfer, who prior to the latest revelations was widely seen as a model of propriety.

Broadcaster MSNBC reported on its website Monday that the number of women who were involved with Woods could climb to 12 or more. The manager of a Vegas hot spot told the website: '(Woods) wasn't one to send away someone who was interested. There was a revolving door.'

Woods has said he will not play in another tournament this year. The pull-out comes after he spent much of 2008 and part of this year on the sidelines because of knee surgery.

Woods has earned more than $1 billion in his rapid 13-year rise to the top of the golfing world. His 14 Major titles are second only to the 18 Majors won by Jack Nicklaus.