THE TEMPTATION OF TIGER

Tiger Woods pals led him astray, a former advisor reveals.

In new ish of Vanity Fair long time Team Tiger pal John Merchant claims the potent putter became a self indulgent, narcissistic, sex machine because he hung out with the wrong crowd.

Merchant points the finger at bad boy hoopsters Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley in the article.

"I told him, 'Stay away from that son of a bitch (Jordan), because he doesn't have anything to offer to the f&%# -ing world in which he lives except playing basketball,"  the lawyer charged.

"One of the times (Tiger)  arrived in town, he texted me, 'I'm gambling with Charles Barkley. Text me when you're here, and I'll tell the gate you're coming.'  mistress Jamie Jungers added.

"As soon as I got to [the exclusive VIP casino's] gate, I said, 'I'm with Tiger,' and they walked me to their table. Charles was playing roulette, and Tiger was playing blackjack. I would say probably $25,000 and above."

Meanwhile its been reported livid Elin WON'T be attending The Masters in support of hubby - allegedly she'll be in Sweden visiting far north Nordegrens.