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Is Tiger Woods in Seclusion in Dubai?

This is intended to be fun and only vaguely serious.  I don't know where Tiger is.  I frankly don't really care all that much.  I just wanted to act like Columbo for once.

Tiger Woods has not been seen and photographed in public since his appearance at the Stanford-California football game on November 21.  Since he life has come under intense scrutiny following his single-car accident in the wee hours of Friday after Thanksgiving, no photos have surfaced of him, or him with his wife Elin.

There has been speculation that Woods is living in another home in Orlando, the guest home of his property in Orlando, and on his yacht Privacy.  With the Associated Press reporting that a first photo of Woods after the accident potentially yielding nearly half a million dollars, there is quite a global hunt going on to track down the secluded golf superstar.  It may be time to consider that Woods is in Dubai.

Tigerwoodsdubaisatellite_medium
Dubai satellite view [Google Maps]

Star-divide

TMZ first reported that it obtained itinerary information for Rachel Uchitel to fly to Melbourne to be with Woods while he played in the Australian Masters.  That same itinerary then suggests a flight for Uchitel from Melbourne to Dubai after the tournament.  Then two days later, Uchitel was set to return to the United States. 

The email signature from Uchitel's forward to a friend or associate - also obtained by TMZ - is consistent with the email signature that was found in my correspondence with her from when I contacted and interviewed her on the day after Thanksgiving.

The Daily Beast reported yesterday that Woods flew Uchitel to Dubai "where [Woods] was to play in a tournament."  That's not true.  Woods was not playing a tournament in Dubai.  But, Woods may well have been retiring to his mansion estate at his Tiger Woods Dubai project.

11_20tiger_20woods_20dubai_medium
December 2008 aerial photograph of Tiger Woods Dubai

Located outside of the population centers of Dubai in Dubailand (dubbed "Disney World on steroids"), the Tiger Woods Dubai is to be host to 287 custom built home sites and Al Ruwaya - a long-delayed 7800 yard golf course that is to be Woods' first design. 

Tigerwoodsdubaimap_medium
Map of the proposed Tiger Woods Dubai

Due to financial problems with the Duabi government and the project, the course has been indefinitely on hold.  Still, Woods is to have built a 16,500 square foot mansion in the development that is struggling to sell in the global economy and is largely incomplete.  Today, the Dubai government responded to questions from the press by reaffirming their commitment to completing the project.

Three days ago, Dubai Golf's chief executive Mohammad Juma Bu Amin said in an open invitation to Woods to return to golf in Dubai, "We will be more than delighted to welcome you to Dubai. Consider Dubai your second home."

The quote is curious considering Dubai's strict anti-adultery laws.  Though more often applied to women than men, the penalties are harsh.

Deadspin reported today that Tina Trahan is a part of Tiger's very close circle of friends the he normally works with to coordinate his global travels, including to and from Dubai.  Close friend Byron Bell - the same man purported to have arranged for Rachel Uchitel's travel - also manages Tiger Woods' design firm.

Provided that most of Woods' vast real estate portfolio is in the United States - and nearly population centers - it seems unlikely that Woods would remain near where people can see him.

In Dubai, Woods not only has his name on a massive, largely undeveloped property, but also the full backing of the Dubai government in exchange for his services and appearances at their Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament.

It has been a good relationship for Woods to date.

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so now we’re working on a new book for golf fans…ok….low-life gossip mongers and tabloid "journalists can play, too…a take off on Where’s Waldo ?

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Dec 16, 2009 7:03 PM EST reply actions  

Haha, should I insert a Waldo graphic on the Dubai satellite Google map? I’d laugh

Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroomryan, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.

by Ryan Ballengee on Dec 16, 2009 7:51 PM EST up reply actions  

Court.....Who's Waldo.....

The article was about Where’s Tiger. C’mon Court try to keep up. Focus. Pay Attention. Ok, now Who’s Waldo?

by em66 on Dec 16, 2009 7:10 PM EST reply actions  

lol – would you prefer Where in the world is Carmen San Diego ? Maybe a little more adult appeal. :-)

http://www.findwaldo.com/

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Dec 16, 2009 7:17 PM EST up reply actions  

Does she know Tiger....and please

don’t tell me she is blond. Oh, man it’s 6:30, time for my PED’s and Steroids. Maybe I’ll shoot a 65 tomorrow and be able to change my name to em65………naw probably not….lol

by em66 on Dec 16, 2009 7:31 PM EST up reply actions  

Just for you, I embedded Waldo into this post so you can play when you’re done searching for Tiger. They both wear red.

Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroomryan, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.

by Ryan Ballengee on Dec 16, 2009 7:59 PM EST up reply actions  

For half a million bucks

I’m tempted to grab my camera and hit the road.

by Double Eagle on Dec 16, 2009 7:38 PM EST reply actions  

Seriously, if you find him, the money you would make would be more than worth the travel cost of getting to him, right? That’s what I thought when I read the AP story.

Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroomryan, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.

by Ryan Ballengee on Dec 16, 2009 7:49 PM EST up reply actions  

Tiger's actually....

Hiding out at my house. Don’t worry my wife’s not blond.

Roll Tide !!

by tigerhead on Dec 16, 2009 8:09 PM EST reply actions  

tigerhead......very funny, glad to hear

you joke about it. BTW, if he asks you for any PED’s or Steroids…..“just say no”…..lol

by em66 on Dec 16, 2009 8:28 PM EST up reply actions  

No PED's here...

But hmmm, if they could help me putt like that, maybe I would :)

Roll Tide !!

by tigerhead on Dec 16, 2009 8:47 PM EST up reply actions  

I think it's plausible...

…not only because of what Ryan reports but also because in the Arab culture hospitality… particularly hospitality extended to a friend or colleague when they are being shunned by others… is considered not just admirable, but sacred. The reason being that the people are almost all the descendants of traveling nomadic tribes who depended on each other’s hospitality to survive hunger, thirst, sandstorms etc in a harsh desert environment.

Hospitality is therefore one of the hallmarks of Arab culture and demonstrates one’s virtue and it’ll be extended without regard for personal cost. Remember when Michael Jackson was shunned by everyone… before he died and every started liking him again… well, he ended up in the Arabian Gulf as well.

by golfgirl on Dec 16, 2009 8:15 PM EST reply actions  

It just seems like it makes sense by process of deduction, and like you said, Dubai particularly is very hospitable to westerners who seek privacy.

Good call on explaining Arab culture – it really makes sense in ways I didn’t think about when first writing this.

Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroomryan, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.

by Ryan Ballengee on Dec 16, 2009 8:37 PM EST up reply actions  

Nnnaaaaaahhhhh....you're all way off...

…Tiger’s in Vegas, hiding out at the MGM dressed in an Elvis jump suit with the big golf sunglasses and sidburns. He’s going back to his Butch Harmon roots at Rio Secco.

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Dec 16, 2009 8:44 PM EST reply actions  

Tiger’s not in Dubai – someone would’ve noticed his jet missing or checked flight plans or looked for private jets flighing in from Dubai – probably would’ve noticed the yacht gone from it’s moorings, too.

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Dec 16, 2009 8:51 PM EST reply actions  

What I've been wondering today...

Is TGC going to air “Tiger Week” this year? Would be the first time in about a decade if they don’t…just saying.

Roll Tide !!

by tigerhead on Dec 16, 2009 8:59 PM EST reply actions  

Arab Culture

I have many an Arab friend and client and believe me it’s not all a bowl of cherries over their. Many woman are treated like second class citizens, not to mention having to wear burka’s in many Arab area’s. (not all) As far as Michael Jackson goes, and at the risk of sounding cynical, It was well publicised that younger men and boys were there for the taking for Michael and legal. I know that sounds mean but thats what was said

"pain is only weakness leaving the body"

by progolf on Dec 17, 2009 9:03 AM EST reply actions  

The other side of the coin

I have lived and worked in the Middle East for some years, including Kuwait & Bahrain, and visited many other Arab countries, including Dubai. The latter is the cesspit of the Arab world – anything goes as long as it is behind closed doors, and if you have sufficient money. Contrary to Handi’s joke – it is indeed awash with blondes – mainly E. European prostitutes, and alcohol is permitted in hotels, bars, etc. & that isn’t a flip response. Whilst the culture may seek to protect the honour of Moslem women, for some Arabs no such attitude applies to non-Moslem women, particularly Westerners.

We do still have Arab friends from those years, but they are the ones who are as appalled at the moral hypocrisy of some of their countrymen as we were.

by WendyUK on Dec 17, 2009 10:44 AM EST reply actions  

and now for the male reading of wendy's post...

…yada yada yada yada yada yada yada – awash in blondes – yada yada yada yada – alchohol – yada yada yada… :-D

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Dec 17, 2009 10:50 AM EST up reply actions  

HAHAHA

tff ,, Cross-Gender, not to be confused with Cross-Dresser I hope. But what if someone is in pre-op or, O’h never mind…..whats the topic of discussion anyway ? j/k ,Tomorrow I plan on yelling “get in the hole” after I hit my tee shot on the 17th at TPC Sawgrass Stadium… jumpn/progolf

"pain is only weakness leaving the body"

by progolf on Dec 17, 2009 11:40 AM EST reply actions  

lol

no kidding ? the stadium course ? VERY cool.

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Dec 17, 2009 11:44 AM EST up reply actions  

no kidding court

I’m a member @ Sawgrass

"pain is only weakness leaving the body"

by progolf on Dec 17, 2009 11:56 AM EST up reply actions  

DANG ! Wish I had known that over Thanksgiving – ended up playing at St John’s CC. Thought we were going to get to play the Valley course, but our coupons blacked out the holidays.

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Dec 17, 2009 12:01 PM EST up reply actions  

St J's in Jacksonville I assume

Good course, I played there a few times over the last 3 years or so. 7200 yards from the gold tee’s and about 6700 from the blue I think. HUUUUGE practice putting green there as well. The price is right also. I am allowed to have guest play from time to time at Sawgrass but you still have to pay and it isn’t cheap. I may have an extra “all access pass or two” for the 2010 players championship and may have some type of golf trivia contest in here to award them as a prize. We shall see.

"pain is only weakness leaving the body"

by progolf on Dec 17, 2009 12:18 PM EST up reply actions  

Yep – that’s the one. Played with my brother, a cousin, and a friend o’ the family and had a great time. Very pretty golf course. The FotF used to be a pretty darn good golfer – he got to the nationals in the old Oldsmobile Challenge. Ended up playing with David Duval’s dad as their local pro sponsor.

you will definitely be “da man” if you do that in these here parts.

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Dec 17, 2009 12:30 PM EST up reply actions  

cool cool

I would think with all of Ryans pull, he would be able to get tour event tickets on a regular basis. Hell, He has Rachael Uchitels phone # hence the interview, maybe she can “Score” ar ar ar some tickets.

"pain is only weakness leaving the body"

by progolf on Dec 17, 2009 1:00 PM EST up reply actions  

lol – wouldn’t THAT be funny ? An engaged RB comes up with tickets from RU. He might be taking out a line of credit at the local jewelry store for that one.

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Dec 17, 2009 1:06 PM EST up reply actions  

Haha, I can get some tickets, but not a lot of tickets and only to some events where I know the tournament or promotions staff. But I don’t think I’ll be giving any to Rachel.

Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroomryan, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.

by Ryan Ballengee on Dec 17, 2009 1:41 PM EST up reply actions  

stop begging

:o) j/k I thought Rachael would get you some ;o) I attend 14 tournaments a year, its part of what I do for a living. And NOOOO I’m not with the NE or TMZ, but for the right price maybe I could sell them an interview or take some pics LOL j/k How the hell I landed the contract with the PGA to clean the locker rooms is beyond me but you sure can get a lot of gossip hiding out in a vacant locker. buahahaha

"pain is only weakness leaving the body"

by progolf on Dec 17, 2009 1:48 PM EST up reply actions  

LMAO !!

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Dec 17, 2009 1:58 PM EST up reply actions  

The stuff that I’ve heard inside of clubhouses is the stuff of quiet legend.

Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroomryan, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.

by Ryan Ballengee on Dec 17, 2009 2:26 PM EST up reply actions  

very very true Ryan

And to add to that, what the players have to say off camera, compaired to what they say LIVE with a microphone in there face is waaaaaaaaaaaay different. It even gets better over a few cocktails. I always have some type of juicy gossip, but true gentleman of the game, don’t bite the hand that feeds them. I would never sacrifice my business or reputation over a few dropped lines of gossip, no way no how.

"pain is only weakness leaving the body"

by progolf on Dec 17, 2009 2:33 PM EST up reply actions  

Wait, where’s my invite to come play down there?! J/k!

Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroomryan, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.

by Ryan Ballengee on Dec 17, 2009 12:05 PM EST up reply actions  

Hey Jumpn

I am here. To defend the defenseless, and fight for the virtue of the scorned. Ok Ok. I lie….I’m here to get the dirt, and dish my own. Thanks for the invite. And Happy Holidays. ps. the rags pay really well for locker room……up and close and personal NEWS. I’m just saying. You could be Golf’s James Bond. Double-O Bogey, or something…..lol

by Fairways and Grins on Dec 20, 2009 8:49 AM EST reply actions  

LOL

Glad you joined F&G’s its all good :o)

"pain is only weakness leaving the body"

by progolf on Dec 20, 2009 12:15 PM EST reply actions  

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