Woods Launches Dubai Project; Keen On Defending Desert Classic Title

August 25, 2008 5:57 p.m. EST

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (AHN) - Current world no. 1 golfer Tiger Woods remains open to defending his Dubai Desert Classic victory next year, although he said that would depend on his recovery from knee surgery.

Woods has not played since winning the U.S. Open in June, opting to shelve the 2008 season and go under the knife because of an ACL tear on his left knee.

The Dubai tournament is scheduled to start January 27. Woods said he's keen on suiting up for the event if his ailing knee heals in time.

The winner of 14 major titles was in the Gulf emirate Monday to launch his ambitious $1.09-billion golf project, the first phase of which is set to be completed late next year.

The golf project will feature a 7,800-yard, 18-hole course designed by Woods himself.

It will sit on 5.1 million square meters of desert land that will be transformed into a multi-billion-dollar golf community in Dubai.

Aside from the golf course, the project also aims to build a luxury hotel, 22 palaces, 75 mansions and 100 villas. The proposal likewise calls for the development of a golf academy and a driving range.