It doesn't appear that the prospect of a Grand Slam, or of emulating Peter Thomson's three wins in a row between 1954 and '56, will deter the world number one from opting out of Carnoustie.

Woods has been coy about when his wife is due, and initially would only suggest the baby was expected between the US Open and the British Open, but more recently the date has been narrowed to July.

Understandably, there has been some speculation that fatherhood will somehow dampen Woods's competitive desire. "I certainly hope it does, " offered Phil Mickelson, "but I don't see that happening."

John Daly, meanwhile, explained that he had been trying to get Woods to adopt him for the past "ve years.

"If I was his child, I wouldn't play golf anymore. I'd be sitting on a boat somewhere spending dad's money."

As he closes in on Jack Nicklaus's record of 18 major victories, Woods would no doubt be able to remind us when questions are raised about his focus once he and Elin start a family, that Nicklaus won every one of his professional majors as a dad.

ANNIKA TELLS RUMOUR MONGERS TO KEEP MUM On a similar theme, Annika Sorenstam has made it her business to scotch recent reports she's to retire from tournament golf and start a family.

Although she was overshadowed last season by Lorena Ochoa, who won the LPGA Tour money list, Sorenstam remains the world number one and at 36 would appear to have many more good years ahead. As rumours of her apparent demise were doing the rounds, she did admit she hardly practised in 2006. However, that didn't stop her winning six events.

O'MEARA BRINGS TO AN END A FINE ERA A word about Mark O'Meara, whose appearance at the Buick Invitational will be the last time he plays in a regular PGA Tour event. O'Meara, who turned 50 earlier this month, heads for the Champions Tour, but he will tee it up at both the Masters and the British Open for which he has exemptions following his victories at both majors in 1998.

He might just have been the best Ryder Cup captain America never had. O'Meara put himself forward - with Tiger Woods's backing - for the K Club, but his tussle with the PGA of America over payment for players more than likely ruled him out.