General / Editor / 20 June 2007 / Leave a Comment

Tiger Woods' participation at the Open next month remains shrouded in doubt after his wife Elin gave birth to their first child

The 31-year-old three-time winner, who is the 3.9 favourite on Betfair's "The Open Championship - Winner" market, had indicated he would be prepared to miss the Carnoustie tournament from July 19-22 should the birth coincide with the tournament.

That is no longer the case although the US star's schedule is certain to be affected.

"Elin and I are delighted to announce the birth of our daughter, Sam Alexis Woods," read a statement on Woods' official website.
"Both Elin and Sam are doing well and resting peacefully. We want to thank our doctors and the hospital staff for all their dedicated and hard work.

"This is truly a special time in our lives and we look forward to introducing Sam to our family and friends over the next few weeks.
"We thank everyone for their well wishes and continued respect of our privacy."

Woods announced his wife's pregnancy in December and before last week's US Open tournament in Oakmont, in which he finished a shot behind Angel Cabrera to finish second, he said: "My practice sessions are going to have to be tailored around a little bit, have to move things around."

Woods is next scheduled to play at the Buick Open, which he won last year, at Grand Blanc, Michigan, on June 28.