In June 2008, Tiger Woods won the U.S. Open against Rocco Mediate. It was his 14th career win in a major championship. After his victory, Woods was forced to go “on leave” as he underwent surgery for a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in his left knee.
Ever since he became “sidelined”, Woods has been busy concentrating on other important matters, like designing a golf course.
In the early part of November 2008, Woods visited the Blue Ridge Mountains of the Cliffs at High Carolina, one of the golf course communities developed by Jim Anthony. He was there to check out the course he is busy designing these days.
Woods explained that his golf course will be able to help players hit a variety of shots and there will be multiple tees so that golfers will be “encouraged to walk the course”.
The world renowned golfer has stayed active courtesy of his design business which currently has three projects: one in Dubai, another in Mexico, and of course, the one in North Carolina. He reiterates though that he still has no plans of designing more courses even if he is not yet sure when he can go back to playing golf.
Woods also revealed how pleased he was with the victory of the country’s first ever African-American president, Barack Obama. (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/golf/2008-11-09-tigerwoods-thecliffs_N.htm)
Born on December 30, 1975, Woods started playing golf at two years old and by the age of 15, while studying at Western High School in Anaheim, he became the youngest ever U.S. Junior Amateur Champion. By August 1996, Woods was already a professional player at the young age of 21.
Woods, who was born Eldrick Tont Woods, considers himself “Cablinasian” since he is Caucasian, Black, (American) Indian, and Asian. His father, the late Earl Woods (1932-2006) was 50% American, 25% Chinese, and 25% Native American. Woods’ mother, Tilda, is from Thailand and of Thai, Chinese, and Dutch ancestry.
Tiger Woods is currently the world’s number one golfer and 2007’s highest paid professional athlete. He has multiple endorsement deals worth millions including those with Nike, Inc. and Titliest. He also actively participates in charity and youth projects via organizations like The Tiger Woods Foundation and the Tiger Woods Learning Center.