Tiger Woods has spoken out after fake pornographic pictures of wife Elin were published on the internet and in an Irish magazine and UK newspaper.

"It's unacceptable and I don't want it to detract from this event," he said in a news conference at the Ryder Cup.

"It's hard to be diplomatic. Elin's an extension of me. We do things together, I care about her with all my heart."

The Dubliner apologised for the story, claiming it was meant as a satire of "inaccurate tabloid publishing".

Former bikini model Elin, 26, was said to be "upset" and "embarrassed" by the fake pictures.

Woods added: "I know the media can be a little bit difficult at times.

"But it's hard to be very diplomatic about this when you have so much emotion involved, when my wife is involved like this.

"It's just 'don't let the facts get in the way of a good story' and sometimes that happens. I think this was a clear incidence of that."

Asked if the incident would affect his play at the K Club at the 36th Ryder Cup, Woods replied: "I have a team-mate with me and we'll just go out and play."

Woods' agent Mark Steinberg said his client was considering the possibility of legal action.

The apology from The Dubliner read: "The publisher and staff acknowledge that the satirical article was inappropriate.

"We wish to sincerely apologise to Tiger Woods, his wife Elin Nordegren and other Ryder Cup players and their families for any offence they may have taken to it.

"The article was written as a satirical piece and, in the context of the entire article, the publishers believed the readers would not be left with the impression that there was any truth in the assertions, it being an absurd parody of inaccurate tabloid publishing generally.

"If any contrary impression was given it certainly was not intended and for this the publishers unreservedly apologise

"Dubliner Media Ltd and its editorial staff wish to welcome the European and Us teams to Ireland.

"We have the highest regard for the personal integrity of all the Ryder Cup players and their families and regret any impression to the contrary which we may have inadvertently created."

Tiger's dad dies: I feel his pain.

Some tabloid publishes fake nudes of Tiger's wife: I say, "Quit yer bitchin'!"

Fake nude pics : Bad
Real nude pics : Good

Have her show us the real thing Tiger! Have her wear some extra skimpy stuff at a couple of majors!

Nudity or links to it are NOT PERMITTED HERE!

Word on the street is she made a sex tape.