"Mr. Woods at least has the practice course in his backyard. That is more than his partners can say."

/

Paul Sullivan files an NY Times Business section front page story on the state of Tiger's design business and it doesn't come to many conclusions that we don't already know: the economy stinks, the projects were excessive in their scope and his scandal didn't help matters.

There was one interesting bit though about how Tiger's design contracts are structured. It seems he was  paid to present lots of plans, attend press conferences but incentives for actual field-time during construction--when real architects get serious about producing something that will last--did not appear to be part of the deals.

Regardless, Mr. Woods’s work with these projects is largely done. He has been paid the bulk of his contract fees. “Traditionally, a course designer’s job begins and ends with designing a great course,” said Mr. Bell, the head of the company.

In the meantime, there have not been any new projects announced by Tiger Woods Design. “We are evaluating opportunities from all over the world,” Mr. Bell said. “We’re staying focused on our original mission of finding great sites, great partners, and creating spectacular designs. I’m very confident about our future.”

Tiger Replaces Privacy With Solitude?

/

Despite the Tweet from Steiney's future biographer suggesting that the rumors aren't true, the New York Post's Don Kaplan is going with the story of Tiger selling his yacht and notes that a replacement has already been purchased, a measly 62-footer called Solitude. Paging Dr. Freud!

Woods is shopping for a broker to put it up for sale this week, but at least one major yacht builder said the golfer is asking too much, according to the Palm Beach Post.

"The market on big yachts has gone down," said North Palm Beach yacht builder John Staluppi, whose Millennium Super Yachts is just down the road from the Old Port Cove Marina, where Woods docks his vessel.

"Banks aren't financing and the economy is off. It's a buyer's market," said Staluppi.

"Unless he sells to someone who wants to brag that he's got Tiger's yacht, he'll get about $20 million."

The golfer, who counts deep-water spear fishing among his hobbies, recently bought a more sporty 62-foot diving boat, Solitude, for $3.1 mllion.

Tiger was last spotted aboard Privacy two weeks ago in Miami with his latest gal pal, 22-year-old Florida grad student Alyse Lahti.

Why Are People Still Betting Tiger At 8-1?

/

I saw that the Las Vegas hotels did not change Tiger's odds after another mediocre performance at Bay Hill, which means people are still putting money on him at 7-1 or 8-1. Are they seeing something I'm not?

The folks at Today's Golfer report that a travel outfit is quite confident of Woods not winning next week.

No stranger to innovative promotions, one of Europe’s largest golf travel operators is promising to refund all holidays booked before The Masters, should Woods leave Augusta National on Sunday 10 April with a nap-hand of green jackets.

And if Tiger returns to form in Augusta, Your Golf Travel.com estimates it will be refunding holidays to the tune of £1.5 million.

The offer applies to anyone quoting ‘Tiger Masters’ for bookings made from Monday, March 28, until Wednesday, April 6, and golf travellers can choose from more than 2,000 Your Golf Travel.com venues and courses in the UK, Europe and worldwide.

"Now, even when asked reasonably sensible golfing questions, he looks like he has terminal piles."

/

In the new Golf World "Backspin Issue" (not posted online), the reading is off the charts good with Judy Rankin, Deane Beman, Bill Coore and William Campbell among others sharing their memories instead of the usual story about what they're up to with an accompanying photo revealing how cruel the aging process can be.

And then there's Peter Alliss' take on Tiger Woods.

I've watched Tiger Woods since he was 15 and marvel at what he can do on the golf course. He has been amazing. And there was a time when he smiled and was more gracious. But that has gone. Now, even when asked reasonably sensible golfing questions, he looks like he has terminal piles. He gives nothing back and looks like he hates every minute. He has never learned the art of communication.

Wagering On Golf Up; Suckers Still Liking Tiger At 7-1

/

Did I say suckers? I meant the wise American public.

John Strege says the Las Vegas Hilton folks expect to surpass last year's Masters wagering, even with Tiger and Phil struggling. Or maybe because of Tiger and Phil are struggling says the Hilton's Jeff Sherman.

"Tiger's right up there with most tickets written compared with other players. But we had most of our money taken [when he was] at 4 or 5 to 1. At the same time, with his odds being higher, Nick Watney at 15 to 1, Dustin Johnson at 20 to 1, all these guys in the 15 to 20 to 1 range, a lot of people are taking a lot of chances on these guys.

"The most popular golfers right now, ticket-wise, are Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar. There are a lot of golfers with a lot of tickets on them. [Tiger's slump] has really spread it out."

What happens should Woods handily win the Arnold Palmer Invitational this week? Or should he miss the cut?

"Based on that scenario [winning handily], I could see him going down to 9 to 2," Sherman said. "If he misses the cut, the odds could hit 10 to 1."

Why haven't the odds moved to 10-1 already?

Separation Anxiety Setting In As TWoods Plays First TCup Not As Member Of IWorth Team

/

Beth Kassab in the Orlando Sentinel as Tiger played for "Albany" instead of Isleworth this year in the Excess Classic.

"We held him in really high regard," said Vic Miesel, who specializes in luxury home sales in the Windermere area at Maingate Real Estate. "The luster of his fame has definitely worn off on a lot of people."

Woods didn't say just how quickly he'll leave the luxury lakefront subdivision just outside of Windermere, but the soon-to-be distance will be underscored today when Woods will play for an "away" team on what has long been his home turf.

Woods will represent Albany, a lavish golf and yacht club set to open later this year in the Bahamas, at the Tavistock Cup, which kicks off today at Isleworth. The Tavistock Group's latest development, in which Woods is an investor, is a new addition to the annual golf exhibition.