Woods: I will miss Open if I have to
Thursday, 25 Jan 2007 08:52
Tiger: Putting family first
World number one Tiger Woods has said is prepared to miss the most important golf event on the calendar, the Open Championship, in order to attend the birth of his first child.
Woods, who has triumphed at each of his last six PGA tournaments dating back to last year's US Open, is expecting his first child with wife Elin in July and the Carnoustie competition will take place in the latter half of that month.
However, the American seemed nonchalant about the prospect of the two events clashing.
"If it happens, it happens," he said.
"You're bringing a new life into this world and it's 100 per cent dependent on you. That's the most important thing, not another golf tournament.
"If she is going to have it during the week of the Open, I just won't go."
Woods did admit is would be difficult to juggle the many facets of his busy life with a newborn baby but said he was more excited that worried by the prospect.
"It will be interesting to figure out my tournament schedule, my preparations and the commitments that I have to my sponsors," he added.
"Trying to balance all that with adding a new family member will be tricky."
Woods has won the Open on three occasions, including an emotional win last year – his first major victory since his father Earl passed away.