Sat Dec 30, 2006 1:16 PM EST
ANAHEIM, CALIF. — Tiger Woods celebrated his 31st birthday Saturday by sharing some of his biggest news of the year — his wife is expecting their first child this summer.
"Obviously, we couldn't be happier and our families are thrilled," Woods said on his Web site. "I have always wanted to be a dad. I just wish my father could be around to share the experience."
Woods and Elin Nordegren of Sweden married in October 2004, and Woods has said that he wanted children sooner instead of later. He did not say when in the summer the baby is due, although it likely would be between the U.S. Open and British Open.
The world's No. 1 player is skipping the season-opening Mercedes-Benz Championship next week on Maui.
"I'm going to stick close to home for the next few weeks," he said. Woods will start his '07 season in the Buick Invitational at the end of January, "which will allow Elin and I to spend more time with our families during this very special time in our lives."
Tiger Woods celebrates with wife Elin Nordegren after winning the 88th PGA Championship golf tournament at Medinah Country Club in this Aug. 20, 2006 file photo, in Medinah, Ill. — (AP Photo/Rob Carr)