Tiger Only Missed The Seven Hole Opening Of First U.S. Design

One of the strangest things about Tiger's follow-up surgery to his follow-up back surgery was the willingness to miss the opening of his first U.S. course design.

Yet, reading Art Stricklin's account of the opening, I'm starting to understand why alleviating back pain took priority over what seemed like an important career moment. Why? Turns out this is only the opening of seven holes, not 18. That suggests a certain (not unprecedented) anxiety by the developer to generate publicity but also makes me understand why Tiger put his ailing back ahead of the opening.

From Stricklin's report:

“For this day to finally come is very exciting,” said Bryon Bell, President of Tiger Woods Design. “It’s really important for this course to finally be open, and the real payoff is to hear the members talking positively about it.”

Nearly 100 members were on the grounds at Bluejack, which had a seven-hole loop open for the initial play, with the full course expected be ready by early 2016.

Wake us when all 18 are open. Right Tiger