Woods Announces His First U.S. Design

Tuesday, August 14th 2007, 2:20 pm

By: News On 6

TRAVELERS REST, S.C. (AP) _ Tiger Woods made it official Tuesday _ the world's No. 1 golfer plans to design his first American course in the mountains of North Carolina. ``I guess we all know why we're here,'' Woods said, smiling.

The Cliffs at High Carolina will be located near Asheville, N.C., and will allow only walkers, something Woods said was key to the deal.

Woods wants to let the scenic land dictate the layout and hopes the course gives golfers a fair test and a chance to connect with nature.

The 31-year-old said he will gradually grow his design business, selecting projects that fit within his crowded schedule.

But he pledged to come to the site as often as necessary to get the job done right.

``As you know, I'm kind of a perfectionist,'' Woods said.

Woods won his 13th major tournament this past weekend at the PGA Championship.

He joins a community of golf courses, known as The Cliffs, that includes three layouts designed by Jack Nicklaus. Woods, who won his 13th major at the PGA Championship on Sunday, is chasing Nicklaus' record of 18.

Woods last year launched his own company, Tiger Woods Design, and he took on a project in Dubai for his first golf course.