Woods has won 13 major titles in his career

Golf Channel's Kelly Tilghman made the remark to British golfer Nick Faldo earlier in January when talking about credible challengers to Woods.

Tilghman was suspended for two weeks by Golf Channel for her remarks.

"It was unfortunate. Kelly and I did speak. There was no ill intent. She regrets saying it," said Woods.

"In my eyes, it's all said and done."

606: DEBATE How will Woods do this year?

Following Tilghman's remark Golfweek magazine put a noose on the cover of the 19 January issue, which was criticised in several quarters, including US PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem.

Dave Seanor was the editor responsible for the cover and he was fired by Golfweek.

The use of the word lynch is a sensitive topic as it stirs graphic reminders of the American South in which 3,466 black people were lynched from 1882 to 1968.

Woods will return to action for his first action of the year at the Buick Invitational in San Diego, which starts on Thursday.

He said he never felt pressure to speak out on the use of the word lynch and added: "It was more media-driven than anything else."