MIAMI - Jack Nicklaus, the fellow golfer Tiger Woods would most like to emulate, said on Thursday he believed his younger colleague would "figure out" a way through the scandal engulfing his private life, local media reported.

Woods, 33, the world's No. 1 golfer, has been under intense media scrutiny since being involved in a minor car accident on November 27 and later admitting "transgressions" in a statement that apparently addressed allegations he cheated on his wife.

Asked about the scandal surrounding Woods, Nicklaus, 69, said it was "none of my business," according to the Palm Beach Post.

"He'll figure it out. We've always been a forgiving society," Nicklaus said at Palm Beach Gardens in Florida where he was honouring the boys' golf team that won the state championship.

Woods, the top draw on the PGA tour with 14 major title wins, is chasing Nicklaus' record of 18 victories in major tournaments and his unofficial title of best golfer ever.

Woods' minor car accident last month triggered widespread speculation about his private life and media outlets have reported he has had multiple extra-marital relationships.

Without specifically admitting any of the alleged affairs, Woods has asked that his private life be respected.

Companies whose endorsements have helped make Woods perhaps the world's richest athlete, with a fortune estimated at $1 billion (S$1.39b), have said they are standing by him.