Disgraced golfing star Tiger Woods has not been seen in public since mid-December, sparking concern that his fragile emotional state has pushed him to the brink.

After being dumped by many of his sponsors, Tiger is also set to lose at least $300 million in his divorce from wife Elin Nordegren.

Adding to his woes are rumours of a sex tape being offered for sale to porn companies by one of his 15 known mistresses.

Tiger’s mental state is now a source of deep concern for his friends and family. His mum Kultida has been telling family how anxious she is about her son, following his lightning visit to her home in a gated community in Orange County, California, late last month.

“Tiger is losing his wife, probably his kids, a lot of money, endorsements, his public standing, reputation and even his mistresses,” says a family friend. “He went from having it all and then some, to losing most of it and he’s understandably depressed.”

The insider says that Tiger is on “unofficial suicide watch”, meaning he’s never left alone. “His loved ones are worried.”

Although he stepped away from his golfing career in the hope he could save his marriage, the reality that Elin can’t forgive him has now sunk in. Their contact has been reduced to terse telephone conversations, often monitored by her protective twin sister Josefin.

Elin was seen in Florida with the couple’s children after celebrating Christmas without him, and later in the French Alps with her family. In contrast, a despondent Tiger is refusing to face the world.