Woods legacy will be about more than golf

For all the victories and accolades Tiger Woods receives for his golf exploits, his work outside the ropes is his greatest passion. The Tiger Woods Learning Center is one way he will leave a legacy that extends far beyond golf.

By Bob Denney

The performance bar that he has set in the game of golf steadily rises, but the standard that gives Tiger Woods goose bumps truly comes from what work he has fostered off the course.

This has been a bittersweet year of transition in his life. He lost his father, Earl, to cancer in the spring and emerged by marching to victory after victory in the summer and fall. Through it all, Woods continues a dream that began while he drove home alone from St. Louis two days after the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001.

It is a quest that extends beyond the "W's" attached to his playing record. It is a dedicated journey to produce a new era of "W's" for the next generation.

Woods focused on chasing a dream where he could leave an imprint on the lives of those less fortunate. This path takes its shape in the form of the Tiger Woods Learning Center in Anaheim, Calif.

In this unique facility, underprivileged youth become empowered. They not only will discover golf, they also will be skilled in mathematics, science, technology and language arts and counseled in character education.

Former President Bill Clinton addressed some 600 guests in February of this year at the dedication of the 35,000-square foot Tiger Woods Learning Center.

"I'm impressed that Tiger Woods decided to do this when he was 30 instead of when he was 60," said President Clinton. "It's important for us to understand that there has never been a time in all of history when private citizens had more ability to do public good if they're willing to take their resources, do intelligent things, maximize the use of technology and bring in partners."

"Woods' success in golf at an early age", President Clinton said, "overshadows the effort that he has made to give back to society."

"It is hard to have great gifts and bring them to bear in the public eye under enormous pressure when you are young," said Clinton. "It is a very difficult thing to do.

"Somehow you have been able to amass these stunning unprecedented records and still keep hold of yourself to start giving back at this point in your life. This is something that all of us should think about."

So, at age 30, we reflect upon Tiger Woods and his 11th year as a professional. He continues the relentless pursuit of his youth to become the greatest player in the game. He now owns 12 professional major Championships, and 72 worldwide victories.

And, he owns something more today at One Tiger Woods Way in Anaheim. Supported by the local community and the state of California, there is an unprecedented model for benefiting today's youth. "This is by far the greatest thing for me to do," said Woods.