Tiger Woods has become a father to his first son, according to reports in the United States. The San Diego Union Tribune claims the golfer's wife Elin, gave birth to the baby boy yesterday although there has been no official confirmation from the family.

Woods has been out of golf since undergoing reconstructive knee surgery last June and news of the birth will cast further doubts over his return to the sport. In his absence, television viewing figures have fallen and the PGA Tour's sponsors are no longer guaranteed for the long term.

Woods had been expected to make his return before the Masters, possibly as early as the Accenture Match Play Championship on February 25, but the World No 1 has always maintained that his family would take priority.