Construction Underway on Tiger's First Golf Design


Work is continuing on Tiger Woods' first golf course design. The $1.1 billion Tiger Woods Dubai residential golf development is on track to be completed in September 2009. The massive project in the Middle East is backed by Tatweer, a member of Dubai Holding.

In addition to the Al Ruwaya course, the project involves a golf academy, a 139,000-square-foot clubhouse, a spa, 22 palaces, 75 mansions, 100 luxury villas and community service facilities. Also involved is a $164 million hotel that will include 90 suites and 14 bungalows varying from 1,600 to 9,500 square feet in size. The hotel will target top-tier clientele and boast of a 10,000-square-feet swimming pool as well as one of Dubai's most exquisite spas. Also featured will be a Guy Savoy restaurant and an upscale retail area for residents, members and guests.

Stretching 7,800 yards from the tips, Al Ruwaya will feature dramatic elevation changes, lush landscaping and many water features. Woods has overseen all facets of the course's design, development and distinct features. Through a choice of six tees and the careful use of topography, length, width, wind direction, hazard placement and contouring, Woods has created a layout that will test the world's best golfers as well as average players.

Woods said: "I am proud of my partnership with Tatweer, which has excelled in developing the Tiger Woods Dubai project and bringing it to this advanced stage. With its remarkable commitment, Tatweer has demonstrated its capability to implement the project according to the scheduled timeframe.

"The master plan reflects the phenomenal dimension this project has taken since it was first conceived, and will serve to enhance its overall stature as one of the world's most ambitious developments. The design of Al Ruwaya will reflect what I truly love about golf and I hope, will prove to be a challenging and strategic course for players of all levels."

Project director Abdulla Al Gurg said of the development: "The Tiger Woods Dubai has become one of the most highly anticipated developments in the region. The project will stand testimony to our hard work and superior quality standards. Tiger Woods' name brings enormous value to the project and we are proud to share with him some of the key developments that have taken place since he reviewed the project during his last visit."

Dubai is seeking to establish itself as a regional center for tourism, developing several golf courses that will host international tournaments, despite being extremely poor in water resources.

Tiger Woods Dubai will be part of Dubailand - an ambitious development that is widely touted as the Middle East's very own Orlando. The entire 24-project venture, scheduled for completion around 2025, is estimated to cost $64 billion, 60 percent of which is coming from private investors.

For more information, visit: Tiger Woods Dubai.