New York nightclub hostess Rachel Uchitel was the first of three women linked to Woods, who on Wednesday issued an apology for personal "transgressions" which appeared to confirm reports of an extra-marital affair.

Uchitel had been due to attend a news conference with celebrity lawyer Gloria Allred in Beverly Hills at 11.30 am on Thursday (0630 AEDT on Friday)but the event was cancelled because of "unforeseen circumstances", a statement said.

Uchitel's links to Woods emerged in the aftermath of the golfer's mysterious late night car crash outside his home in Florida last Friday.

Uchitel, 33, had initially dismissed reports of an affair, telling the New York Post: "It's the most ridiculous story. It's like they are asking me to comment if there are aliens on earth."

She also rubbished suggestions that she had a secret rendezvous with Woods at a recent tournament in Australia, saying their presence in the country at the same time was a coincidence.

However, the TMZ.com entertainment news website said in a report early on Thursday that Uchitel did have a relationship with Woods, and that the couple had exchanged text messages shortly before his car accident.