Top > Sport > 2007 > January > 2007-01-06

Tiger Woods to Become a Dad

What better birthday present could Tiger Woods ask from his wife this year? The world-famous golfing champion recently celebrated his 31st birthday with the news that his wife is expecting their first child. The star?s official website said that the couple?s baby is due in the summer of this year and that Woods is ecstatic about the news. Woods married Elin Nordegren ? a Swedish native ? in October 2004 and right from the beginning of their relationship he said that he?d love to be a father.

On his website, Woods wrote: "I have always wanted to be a dad. I just wish my father could be around to share the experience." Earl Woods succumbed to cancer in May of last year at the age of 74. His son has credited him for being the driving force behind his brilliant golfing career and has said that his father believed in him and his abilities right from the start.

Because of the pregnancy, Tiger Woods has said that he will be keeping a low profile in his golfing career for the moment. He will not be attending the Mercedes-Benz championship that traditionally opens the golfing season, he will begin his year at the Buick Invitational at the end of January instead. "I`m going to stick close to home for the next few weeks," he said, "which will allow Elin and I to spend more time with our families during this very special time in our lives."