Golf / Police to question Woods over accident

Police in Florida plan to question Tiger Woods today about a car accident outside his house, following the champion linksman's release from the hospital, CNN reported yesterday.

Woods, the world's top golfer and a major sports marketing star, hit a fire hydrant and tree early Friday as he pulled his Cadillac Escalade out of the driveway of his house in Windermere, Florida, near Orlando, the Florida Highway Patrol said. He was treated at a nearby hospital with what police described as "serious injuries," but the golfer's office said the accident was minor and that Woods had been released in good condition.

CNN said yesterday that investigators would question Woods, 33, who made a triumphant return to professional golf this year after missing much of last season following reconstructive knee surgery. Windermere Police Chief Daniel Saylor told CNN on Friday that Woods was bleeding from the mouth and was "in and out of it for several minutes," when police arrived at his home shortly after the accident.

The accident was not alcohol-related, the FHP said. "The crash remains under investigation and charges are pending," it said.

Woods is perhaps the world's richest athlete and the biggest draw on the PGA tour as he chases Jack Nicklaus' record for victories in major tournaments and the unofficial title of best golfer ever. Forbes said earlier this year that Woods was the highest earner in sports with $110 million during the previous 12 months, 2 1/2 times that of his nearest competitor.

His impact on the sport has gone beyond his performances and earnings. As a player of mixed ethnic descent - his father was African-American and his mother was from Thailand - he is credited with broadening the appeal of the game.

Woods, who has two young children with his wife Elin Nordegren, is scheduled to host his annual Chevron World Challenge tournament in Thousand Oaks, California, next week. It starts on Thursday.