Tiger - Time to end "lynch" row

Tiger Woods wants a line to be drawn under the controversy sparked by a television anchor's comment that rivals should "lynch" him.

World number one wants an end to "lynch" furore

Tiger Woods has called for a line to be drawn under the controversy sparked by an American television anchor's comment that rivals should "lynch" him. Kelly Tilghman made the gaffe during the Golf Channel's coverage of the Mercedes-Benz Championship earlier this month. Tilghman - who is a friend of Woods - was discussing how players could challenge the world number one's dominance with co-host Nick Faldo. Faldo light-heartedly suggested fellow players gang up on Woods to which Tilghman jokingly added: "Lynch him in a back alley!" Although her employers initially decided she would not face punishment, Tilghman was suspended for two weeks after the incident generated widespread public debate. However, speaking for the first time since the comments were made, Woods - who returns to action in 2008 at this week's Buick Invitational - played down the furore. "It was unfortunate," he said. "Kelly and I did speak. There was no ill intent. She regrets saying it. In my eyes, it's all said and done." When asked if he had been contacted about the issue, he added: "I tell them she's a friend of mine, which she is. "I've known her for ten or 11 years now. We all say things we do regret, and that's certainly a moment she does regret."