Excerpts from Tiger Woods interviews with ESPN, Golf Channel

In preparation for his return to golf at The Masters, Tiger Woods conducted interviews with ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi and the Golf Channel’s Kelly Tilghman on Sunday as he continues his public relations damage control. Here are excerpts from the interviews:

ESPN interview:

On why he got married:

“Why? ‘Cause I loved her. I loved Elin with everything I have. And that’s something that makes me feel even worse. That I did this to someone I loved that much.”

On the depth of his infidelity:

 “Well, just one is enough. Um, and obviously that wasn’t the case, and I’ve made my mistakes. And as I’ve said, I’ve hurt so many people, and so many people I have to make an amends to, and that’s living a life of amends.”

On why he didn’t seek treatment before all the news broke:

 “Well I didn’t know I was that bad….stripping away denial, rationalization. You strip that away and you find the truth.”

On the low points — the moments of having to tell his wife and mother:

“They both have been brutal. They’ve both been very tough. Because I hurt them the most. Those are the two people in my life who I’m closest to and to say the things that I’ve done, truthfully to them, is…honestly was…very painful.”

On what his measure of success will be at the Masters:

“Well, playing is one thing. I’m excited to get back and play, I’m excited to get to see the guys again. I really miss a lot of my friends out there. I miss competing. But still, I still have a lot more treatment to do, and just because I’m playing, doesn’t mean I’m gonna stop going to treatment.”

On the expected/hopeful reception from fans:

 “I don’t know. I don’t know. I’m a little nervous about that to be honest with you…It would be nice to hear a couple claps here and there…but also hope they clap for birdies too (laughs).”

Golf Channel interview

On how did things get so out of control:“Going against your core values, losing sight of it. I quit meditating, I quit being a Buddhist, and my life changed upside down. I felt entitled, which I had never felt before. Consequently, I hurt so many people by my own reckless attitude and behavior.”

On going from becoming recognized as the greatest golfer in the world to becoming a punch line:

“It was hurtful, but then again you know what, I did it. I’m the one who did those things and looking back on it now with a more clear head, I get it. I can understand why people will say these things because you know what, it was disgusting behavior. As a person, it’s hard to believe that was me looking back on it now.”

On state of his marriage:

“We’re working on it and it’s a process that will remain private between her and I.”

On what his father would say to him if he were still alive:

“He’d be very disappointed in me. We’d have numerous long talks. That’s one of the things I miss, I miss his guidance, wish I could have had his guidance through all this to have him help straighten me up, I know he would’ve done it.”

On wearing a new bracelet:

“It’s Buddhist, it’s for protection and strength and I certainly need that.”

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