“Our hero did not live up to the expectations of the role model we saw for our children,” Payne said. “He forgot in the process to remember that with fame and fortune comes responsibility, not invisibility.” More than a dozen women have claimed to have sexual affairs with Woods in the wake of his adultery confession, which have brought apologies to friends, family, supporters and fellow golfers as Woods tries to move past the scandal.

“It is not simply the degree of his conduct that is so egregious here. It is the fact that he disappointed all of us, and more importantly, our kids and our grandkids,” Payne said of the golfer in unprecedented remarks. “Is there a way forward? I hope yes. I think yes. But certainly his future will never again be measured only by his performance against par, but measured by the sincerity of his efforts to change.”

Masters spectators have given Woods a warm reception during practice rounds this week, but it has been far from a full-embracing welcome back to the course where he won his first major title in record-shattering fashion back in 1997, becoming the first black player to win a major golf title.

“We at Augusta hope and pray that our great champion will begin his new life here in a positive, hopeful and constructive manner, but this time with a significant difference from the past,” Payne said.

Woods has won 14 major titles, four shy of matching the all-time record set by Jack Nicklaus. Payne was especially emphatic that Woods avoid selfishness and do all he can to redeem himself in the eyes of his youngest followers, those who might not even comprehend the depths of his wrongdoing in the affairs. Payne, who said he had spoken to Woods and that Woods attended the champions dinner on Tuesday, added that he wanted Woods to understand that “life’s greatest rewards” come from helping others.