Tiger Woods' wife gives birth to first child

WASHINGTON, June 19 (Reuters) Golfing great Tiger Woods' wife Elin has given birth to their first child, Woods said in a statement on his Web site today.

''Elin and I are delighted to announce the birth of our daughter, Sam Alexis Woods. Sam was born early yesterday morning, June 18th,'' Woods said.

''Both Elin and Sam are doing well,'' he said.

Woods, who is known for his meticulous tournament preparation, had said previously that his schedule would be more flexible because of the baby.

''I don't know how much I'm going to play after that (the birth),'' he had said on June 4. ''A lot depends on how Elin is feeling and the health of our child.'' Woods had said he was prepared to miss the July 19-22 British Open at Carnoustie but hoped to defend his PGA Championship title in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in August.

The baby's birth comes just over a year after the death of his father, Earl Woods, who had taught him to play golf.

Woods won 11 titles in 2006, including the British Open and the PGA Championship. On Sunday, Woods tied for second at the 107th US Open at Oakmont, Pennsylvania. Argentina's Angel Cabrera was the surprise winner by a stroke.

REUTERS BJR KN1838