Tiger Woods opens 1st golf course

Tiger Woods hit one of the most notable opening tee shots of his career Tuesday and it didn't even occur in competition.

Woods opened his first golf course design - El Cardonal at Diamante on the Baja California peninsula in Mexico - and commemorated it by playing 18 holes. It's the first of several of Woods' courses to officially open.

"We knew this day would come," said Woods, who has undertaken various projects over the last eight years that have yet to get off the ground. "We as a design team probably didn't think it would come outside of the United States. North Carolina didn't work out, then Dubai, then the economy."

The Diamante project, created by the Tigers Woods Design group, also encountered setbacks, most notably when Hurricane Odile damaged the surrounding area in September. There was extensive damage and the opening was delayed by several weeks.

The par-72 stretches out 7,300 yards and is expected to be one of two courses at Diamante - the second is called "The Oasis."

It was the first time Woods hit balls since Dec. 7. The world's former top ranked golfer said he has been sick with the flu the last few weeks and figures he lost 15 pounds. He said he's still feeling the lingering effects of the bug but is excited to get back on the course.

"I'm still concentrating on winning golf tournaments," said Woods, who turns 39 on Dec. 30.