Tiger Woods is clearly ready to move on to the second part of his golf career, the mogul part. Fast on the heels of the announcement of his
new partnership with Ernie Els in the Bahamas, Tiger has announced that
the first-ever Tiger-designed course will be the "Tiger Woods-Dubai." Tiger's company,
Tiger Woods Design, is joining up with
Tatweer, a member of Dubai Holding, to create an exclusive golf community that will include "Al Ruwaya, a Tiger Woods-designed Golf Course, golf academy; a 60,000-square-foot clubhouse; an 80-suite boutique hotel for VIP guests; 300 luxury villas; 20 mansions and a community retail area. The course itself will be a par 72 designed to challenge all levels of golfers. In the press release Tiger is quoted as saying that he is "excited about the challenge of transforming a desert terrain into a world-class golf course." The community should be completed in 2009 and will be located in the
massive Dubailand project.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
MyDailySlice Dec 6th 2006 10:58AM
I think the reason he opted to build in Dubai is because his advisory checks are guaranteed to clear!
Nice blog!
Corporate Golfer Dec 6th 2006 11:45AM
If what the weather was like when I was in Dubai is typical, I don't envy the golfers on this course.
Concerned Dec 13th 2006 6:10AM
Doesn't Tiger have enough money? Maybe he should concentrate his efforts in his own country for the people that have made him what he is. Maybe he should be designing a course that normal, less fortunate people and kids (like he was once)would have a chance to play. The more I see him develop, the more I dislike him and what he stands for.
joe Dec 13th 2006 6:15AM
18 holes of golf in 130 degree weather?-dont think so.
mike macoy Dec 13th 2006 7:06AM
his part in the design will be a walk through with the real developer a couple of sit downs (about 3 days of his time)all they are paying for is the desgined by tag of Tiger Woods its all B S like all big $$$$ crap.
Jim Lamb Dec 13th 2006 7:25AM
Anyone who plays golf knows that we have already over built new golf courses in the USA, but continue to start new ones every week.So it only makes sence for Tiger to ply his new trade in underdeveloped countries. He is a worldwide figure and doesn't just belong to America. I wish Tiger continued success because his current efforts and larger plans to develop state of the art educational centers for underprivileged children will take a huge sum. Go Tiger.
Harold Lindsey Dec 13th 2006 7:34AM
I think this is just GREAT! Tiger's reach goes all over the world! This is just one of many projects he has and will engage in over young spectacular life! I am so proud of him! Yes he makes big money. He shouldn't have to apologize for that. Sybolically he is bringing beauty, peace and serenity to a dry lifeless desert. He is doing that very same thing in many people's lives. I have never known him to disregard the underpriviledged! Go on, be a Tiger:)
Herb Drasler Dec 13th 2006 7:49AM
Re: The comment by Concerned
Maybe he should concentrate his efforts in his own country for the people that have made him what he is.
I think I have a little news here...Tiger made himself what he is by playing fantastic golf and whipping the big names all the way thru...You Go Tiger!..You earned it, You Deserve It and DON'T let anyone take it away from you. I applaud your every move and don't let the naysayers get in your way.....
Duane Wilson Dec 13th 2006 8:06AM
Well he has a "trophy" wife, getting in bed with the Arabs seems like a natural progression of success.
Marni Redmond Dec 13th 2006 8:13AM
What about the US why not pick a city that needs employment?
marilyn swart Dec 13th 2006 8:14AM
Good for you Tiger. I wish you the best.You make us proud.
JR Smith Dec 13th 2006 8:25AM
LOL.....do the people who are so happy about Tiger designing a course in Dubai know anything about Dubai.... I quote " bringing beauty, peace and serenity to a dry lifeless desert" or the one about him helping an "underdeveloped country" ....do you realize that Dubai is one of if not the most wealthy country in the world and spreads the wealth to its people.... underdeveloped????? .....LOL.
Austin Dec 13th 2006 8:55AM
To all of the why not in America crowd:
1. It is still a free country and you are allowed to do business or spend your money how you like.
2. His personal success came from hard honest work building skills in his freely choosen profession.
3. If you want to do something for this country or the unemployed of this country join the military or go to college and get a real career and work hard to build your own skills. By the way don't forget to do the research on what will be profitable in that career field.
4. If you want to watch reality TV, collect a government check for breathing, and complain for a living keep electing the Democrats and they will take all wealth, assets, personal property, and free will from everyone and share it equaly with everyone else.
Just don't expect Mr. Woods or any other highly skilled, motivated and successful people to stick around to be a 'contributer' to the masses.
Chip N. Run Dec 13th 2006 9:07AM
If Tiger aims the numerous course he is certain to design toward the pleasure of the many rather than the challenge of the few his legacy will be much the greater ... and I hope he will.
Tina Dec 13th 2006 9:10AM
It's funny to read other people's thoughts on a "celebrity" and the choices they make. The idiocy and crudeness is unbelievable. Tiger Woods' wife, Elin, is Sweden, his mother is from Thailand, and his father has multiple ethnic backgrounds so for him to say I am just going to disperse my in the US is illogical. For Americans to think we are the ones who made him or privileged him to be rich are wrong. He's won tournaments acrossed the world. He, fortunately, is knowledgeable and chose to build where it was rational, logical, and apt to make money. Americans are the most spoiled, self-absorbed, ungrateful, judgmental people. Tiger has a foundation (twfound.org) that has helped children acrossed the world, given grants to primarily American children, given children worldwide an opportunity to live the dream of being a golfer. His learning center is used to promote health, education, and welfare for children throughout the world. Tiger is a gentleman who has used his money wisely but never selfishly. I am amazed how people can manage to try to mar who he is and what he has become because he is helping create a golf course outside American grounds. Those people are the same people who are talking uneducatedly and probably have never followed Tiger Woods, know his ethical background, or his demeanor in giving to the people. That's a shame!
KeithTaylor Dec 13th 2006 9:17AM
Dubai is one of the richest counties in the world. Tiger is one of the richest men in the world of golf.
He's not helping the underprivledged by building 20 mansions and a 60,000-square-foot clubhouse and an 80-suite boutique hotel . The words "Luxury" and "Dubai Holding" all add up to spell VIP for Tigger! He is by not doubt one of the greatest of all golfers... but how good of a man is he? really?
George Dec 13th 2006 9:29AM
This is a free country. Tiger can be build a golf course anywhere in the World. He has the money for that and more. Moreover, it is not Tiger's decision to build a golf course in Dubai, it comes from the team of lawyers, marketing gurus, public relations, and business associates he has. I give Tiger all the credit in the world for putting himself where he is. For those of you who think this is a bad idea...it is just clear your are frustated about other people's success. I wonder why.....
Linda Dec 13th 2006 9:40AM
Fantastic!
Dubai has been my top destination to visit since my trip to Bahrain in 2003. The UAE is rich in many ways and not just with horse racing, ultra-modern hotels/resorts, etc...
The best making a "best business decision". It will raise the bar for anything he chooses to design or build in the U.S. and it certainly will entice U.S. citizens who play golf and would not otherwise choose to go to Dubai to discover this fascinating and wonderful destination.
Paul DeAngelis Dec 13th 2006 9:54AM
"Broad minded people talk about ideas...Small minded people talk about other people!" Tiger Woods has accomplished more in 10 years as a professional than most people could in 3 lifetimes! He has certainly earned the right to do what he chooses to do...Tiger does not "owe" this country alone! Yes, he has made tons of money here in the U.S., and does give back much in foundation work, and millions of dollars are made by the local economy with every tournament he plays. He has singlehandedly brought the "youth movement" to what was once considered an "old man's game"! In time, I believe Tiger will share many facets of his fortune, talents and his popularity with great commitment to the U.S. He has at least another 30 years left to play this game competitively, barring any affliction. As he matures even more, he will "give back" what golf has given him - 10 fold!!! All the great golfers have ie: Arnold Palmer, Jack Nickalaus, Byron Nelson, Tommy Armour...the list is endless! I have always applauded Tiger from the time he won in the ametuer ranks...and will do so til I'm dead! I play golf - competitively and I can tell you from personal experience - it is you against the golf course!!! But in life - it is you against the World...and Tiger is conquering it - 1 country at a time!!! Isn't it amazing a man like Tiger Woods half Black, half Asian - could be a factor in bringing a peaceful game to a voilent part of the World...and with it, be an ambassador of peace - period? YOU GO TIGER WOODS!!!!!
Terry Dec 13th 2006 9:56AM
How incredibly ignorant the naysayers are. They should do some research on the Tiger Wood's Foundation before chastising someone that is giving more back to the youth of this country than any other single athlete or star. How much are you anti-Tiger idiots giving back?