From Lost Father To Impending Fatherhood: `A Polar 180' For Tiger

TULSA, Okla. (AP) _ The last time a U.S. Open was looming on Tiger Woods' schedule, a life-changing loss weighed heavily on his mind. <br/><br/>One year later, he again finds himself preparing for

Tuesday, June 5th 2007, 8:03 am

By: News On 6

TULSA, Okla. (AP) _ The last time a U.S. Open was looming on Tiger Woods' schedule, a life-changing loss weighed heavily on his mind.

One year later, he again finds himself preparing for a dramatic change in his personal life as the second major nears.

Woods said Monday in a teleconference previewing the PGA Championship that this year's situation is, quote, ``a polar 180'' from last year.

Last year in the Open at Winged Foot, Woods was making his first tour appearance since the death of his father, Earl, six weeks earlier.

Next week at Oakmont, he'll be playing less than a month before the birth of his first child.

Beyond the Open, Woods' future is uncertain. He's hosting a tournament in Washington, D.C., from July 5th through 8th, about the time his wife, Elin, is due to deliver the baby.

The British Open starts July 19th, and the PGA Championship begins August 9th at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa.