Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods to Be a Dad

12/30/2006 at 05:30 PM EST

Tiger Woods and his wife, Elin Nordegren, are expecting their first child together, the golf superstar announced on his Web site Saturday.

"As some of you know, today is my 31st birthday. I'll spend it quietly with family and friends, but Elin and I have more exciting news to share: We are expecting our first child together this summer," Woods wrote on his site.

"Obviously, we couldn't be happier and our families are thrilled," said Woods. "I have always wanted to be a dad. I just wish my father could be around to share the experience."

Woods's dad, Earl Woods, passed away in May at age 74 after battling cancer. The father and son had a famously close relationship. "My dad was my best friend and greatest role model," Woods said at the time. "He was an amazing dad, coach, mentor, soldier, husband and friend."

As for his career, Woods says he plans to "stick close to home" for the next few weeks to spend more time with his expectant wife. He plans to start his 2007 PGA Tour season at the Buick Invitational in late January.

Woods told PEOPLE last year that he was looking forward to starting a family with Nordegren, whom he married in October 2005.

"We're definitely going to have kids soon. We certainly want to do it, because obviously I'm not getting any younger," he said. "I'd like to have a boy first, then a girl. I like the idea of a big brother taking care of his little sister. I want them to be close in age, too. I want my kids to grow up close."