Tiger Woods and his wife Elin Nordegren ride in a golf cart after Woods won the playoff round of the U.S. Open golf championship at Torrey Pines in San Diego in this June 16, 2008 file photo.[Photo/Agencies]

STRUGGLING GOLF GAME

Woods and Nordegren have a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son.

"While we are no longer married, we are the parents of two wonderful children and their happiness has been, and will always be, of paramount importance to both of us," the statement said.

"The weeks and months ahead will not be easy for them as we adjust to a new family situation, which is why our privacy must be a principal concern."

Woods' golf game has been erratic since his return to the sport. He has yet to win this year after nine starts on the U.S. tour and he conceded before the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational he had been unable to practice as much as normal.

After revelations of his martial infidelities, he lost endorsement deals with companies like Accenture Plc and AT&T Inc.

Other sponsors like Procter & Gamble Co's Gillette, Berkshire Hathaway Inc's NetJets unit, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA's Tag Heuer and TLC Vision, shifted away from using Woods in marketing, but did not end their contracts with him.

With his divorce being finalized and golf tournaments keeping him on the road for at least a week at a time, Woods has tried to see his two young children whenever possible.

"Life has changed," he said. "I haven't practiced as much as I used to, nor should I. My kids are more important."

The greatest player of his generation, Woods has lost the aura of invincibility he once enjoyed over his golfing rivals since his double life was exposed at the end of last year.

He has not won anywhere in the world since the Australian Masters last November.