Washington, Dec 2: US golfer Tiger Woods offered a "profound apology" Wednesday for "transgressions" in his life, following a swirl of speculation about his personal life that arose after a car crash outside of his home last week.

"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 was cited Tuesday for careless driving but will not be subject to any criminal investigation, after he crashed his car just outside his Florida home early Friday morning.

The incident prompted feverish speculation in the US media, including that the crash followed an argument between Woods and his wife Elin Nordegren Woods about allegations of his involvement with another woman.

Woods said the media speculation that domestic violence was involved was "utterly false and malicious" and pleaded for privacy. He did not offer details of his transgressions but said he and his family were working through his "personal failings behind closed doors."

Woods, 33, who is deeply guarded about his private life, has not discussed details of the car accident and three times refused to meet with police investigators. On Monday, Woods said he will not play in another tournament this year following the minor injuries he suffered in the crash.

Driving his black Cadillac sport-utility vehicle, Woods, who was alone, struck a fire hydrant while heading down his driveway in the exclusive, gated Isleworth community near Orlando, Florida.

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. (DPA)