Woods Dedicates Learning Center

On February 10th, Tiger Woods was on hand to christen his major contribution to junior golf in Southern California. The winner of 10 majors – and his first two tournaments this year – dedicated the Tiger Woods Learning Center in his old Anaheim neighborhood. On hand were various dignitaries and the kids who’ll be using it.

"This is by far the greatest thing that has ever happened to me," Woods said. "This is bigger than golf. This is bigger than anything I've done on the golf course, because we will be able to shape lives."

With former president Bill Clinton in attendance, Woods unveiled the $25 million facility. Located next to the H.G. Miller Golf Course, the center boasts a high-tech, 11,000-square-foot building, 100 computer stations, a 200-seat auditorium, a multimedia center, driving range-practice facility, 18-hole putting course and other educational areas.

"I'm impressed Tiger Woods decided to do this when he was 30 instead of when he was 60," Clinton said. "It's hard to have great gifts and bring them to bear in the public eye under enormous pressure when you're young."

Clinton added that he was impressed that Woods had been able "to amass a stunning, unprecedented record and keep holding yourself up to start giving back at this point in your life."

The center will offer children grades 4-12 educational programs. More than 70 donors are listed as contributors to the facility.

Although his golf prowess has made him an international celebrity, Woods said he has been working every day preparing for the opening of the learning center, which is designed to augment a student's normal school curriculum.

His father, Earl Woods – who has been battling cancer and was unable to attend the opening, has also been a key presence in shaping the center. At a groundbreaking ceremony in 2003, Tiger Woods opened the fund-raising efforts by offering $5 million. "I hope the message goes out loud and clear that more athletes should give back to the community and give back to the sport that made you what you are today," Earl Woods said in Southland Golf Magazine in 2003.

According to the learning center’s website (http://www.twlc.org), a full-time staff of educators will give about 3,000 students access to the center this year alone. Tiger Woods said he viewed the facility as a place for students "to explore their dreams and open doors to new opportunities and potential career paths."

Woods added, "This is their center, and I hope it serves as a launching pad to great success."