The scandal-tainted U.S. golfer Tiger Woods on Friday made his first public apology since the scandal broke out, saying he is deeply sorry for his irresponsible behavior.

"I am deeply sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behavior," Woods said at his first public appearance since he ran his car into a tree outside his Florida home in November and educed a series of sex scandals.

"For many of you, especially my friends, my behavior has been a personal disappointment. For those of you who work for me, I have let you down personally and professionally," the golf superstar told reporters at the headquarters of the U.S. Professional Golfer ' Association of America (PGA) Tour in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

With respect to his plan for the future, Woods said he will return to professional golf one day but does not know when that will be.