Once one of professional sports’ most visible pitchmen, Woods was asked whether he hopes to resume that role again in the future.
“I would certainly like to be a part of that to a certain extent, but not to the level I was. I’m going to start valuing more of my time. I’m going to value what I do, I’m just not going to do what I used to.”
Woods, who has had a long-standing and lucrative relationship with Nike , recently made a trip to the company’s Beaverton, Ore. headquarters.
“It was all encompassing. I worked with every single phase of golf, basically, that Nike is involved in," he said. “That was fun. I enjoy being part of the process. I enjoy learning and also they get a little bit of feedback from me as well on what a player feels and needs in a product.”
Beyond his corporate relationships, Woods has several significant business interests to focus on. His golf course design firm is eyeing new projects around the world. Woods said he expects signature courses in Dubai and North Carolina to be completed, despite delays due to the struggling economy and sagging real estate market.
“Dubai has been put on hold for now, but Dubai Properties is still committed to the project, still wants to do it and we’re excited about finishing up,” said Woods. “We don’t know the time table yet, but they’re committed to the project. As far as Carolina, the same, we’re moving forward. We're moving dirt, and that’s as good thing.”
Woods also has his sights on opportunities overseas, as the US market for golf courses has slowed.
“The overall golf design business here in the States is tough, it’s flat. Globally there are so many opportunities. Golf is still growing, still booming all around the world, especially [in] China, basically everything is in China. Most opportunities are on foreign soil.”
Woods also spoke about a new real estate venture in the Bahamas, called Albany, a luxury resort-style community in Nassau, not far from the airport. He partnered with fellow pro Ernie Els and the Tavistock Group, a private, Orlando, Fla.-based investment firm run by billionaire investor Joe Lewis.
The Albany project was first announced on CNBC six years ago and officially opened last October.
“It’s pretty phenomenal what we’ve been able to pool together, not only the resources but the people and just overall the amenities that they have there. That's what people are going to be excited about," said Woods.” “Everything is going to be extraordinary.”
