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The world No 1 golfer's decision was praised. At least he was brave enough to admit infidelity and showed responsibility to his family by punishing himself (turning his back on his beloved sport).

To take a break from golf means Woods now can devote his entire time sorting out his marital problems. To leave the sport he loves means that he had showed willingness to sacrifice one of the most important things in his life.

Admitting "transgressions" may help him get sympathy from his family and fans. Perhaps, it's not hard to receive forgiveness.

His absence from golf would make him stay out of the public eye and the army of media, who will bombard him with questions about everything other than golf.

If he continues to play golf, it would not be good either for him or his family. He cannot concentrate as the media would keep him constantly in the spotlight. A string of women may come forward to add further allegations.

In fact, the biggest challenge for the winner of 14 Major titles is when and how to equal legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus's milestone of 18 Major wins. Woods still has time to fulfil his dream but his personal life cannot wait for him to recover.

By putting family first, Woods could also be trying to avoid a costly divorce with wife Elin Nordegren, who could end up with US$300 million of his fortune if she decides to leave.

Taking a break from golf is a good solution for him but it may cause a big loss to the game itself.

Without Woods, golf may lose its appeal from both sponsors and fans. It will cost the PGA Tour, television networks and merchandise vendors, such as Nike, a combined $220 million or more in lost revenue. In his absence, tournament crowds may be 20 per cent smaller, according to the organisers. PGA would lose 20,000 spectators, who are Wood's fans, per day in a tournament.

For Woods himself, sport analysts estimated that the 2009 PGA Tour Player of the Year could lose income of around Bt6 billion (US$173.52 million) from advertisement and sponsors. Woods' ads have disappeared from prime-time television in the US. Some companies ended their sponsorship. Woods could also lose his top position in the world rankings. He may be toppled by world No 2 golfer Phil Mickelson.

However, time doesn't always heal wounds. Woods's attempts to save his five-year long marriage appears to be too little too late. Nordegren was recently spotted without her wedding ring and many sources reported that she'll file for divorce after Christmas.

If the divorce, indeed, takes place, the Woods saga will shift to questions such as how he will handle his life. How would the couple divide not only custody of their two young children but one of the biggest fortunes in professional sports? How long will he take a break and can he make a comeback after his reputation and life were shattered?

The immoral practice of philandering is a trait among Thai men. Woods, whose popularity rating is plunging since his sex-escapades were revealed, had never thought himself as a Thai despite being born to a Thai mother. But the only thing he got from being a half-Thai is the "genetic character of being a womaniser".