Golf's world number one issued a statement on his official website late on Sunday in which he took full responsibility for the one-car collision in which he hit a fire hydrant while reversing out of his home in the Orlando, Florida, subdivision of Isleworth.

At the same time, Florida Highway Patrol, the lead investigators in the case, revealed that Woods, 33, had cancelled a scheduled interview with troopers, denying them the opportunity to hear his version of events a third time in the last three days while appointing lawyer Mark NeJame to represent him.

It later emerged that NeJame, described by the Orlando Sentinel newspaper as a "high profile defence attorney in the city", had greeted troopers at Woods' home and provided them with the golfer's driver's licence, car registration and current proof of insurance as required by Florida law following any traffic accident.

"The troopers went to the house to see if they could speak with Mr Wood (sic)," an FHP statement read, mis-spelling the 14-time major winner's name throughout.

"Mr Wood's attorney was present and told investigators that Mr Wood was unavailable for an interview.

"Mr Wood's attorney provided the troopers with Mr Wood's driver's licence information, registration and current proof of insurance as required by Florida Law.

"The crash investigation is ongoing and charges are pending."