Tiger forks out €33m for 10 acres of paradise

GOLF superstar Tiger Woods has treated himself to €33 million estate for his 30th birthday, but he still won’t be able to use the local course.

The world's top-earning sportsman forked out the enormous sum for a 10-acre beach-front property on an exclusive strip on Florida's Jupiter Island.

The golfer's new home features four houses and two jetties for boats, as well as artificial basketball court, tennis court, volleyball court and custom made putting green.

Tiger actually bought two adjacent lots, confounding auctioneers in the area who believed he was intent on buying just the one.

But with an estimated wealth of €580m, he could afford to purchase the new property, while also retaining his old house in nearby Orlando.

The world's number one golfer, who turned 30 last week, also owns properties in the states of Wyoming and California, and in Sweden, the home country of his wife, Elin.

The property came furnished with an impressive collection of rare art and antiques. In addition, the 200 feet of waterfront will easily accommodate his €14.5m yacht the appropriately named Privacy on which he spent his honeymoon following his marriage to Elin in Barbados last year.

The golfer's new home is just one of many multi-million dollar affairs in the area, and his new neighbours include fellow golfers Nick Price, Greg Norman and Jesper Parnevik, as well as singer Celine Dion.

However, he may need to limit his golfing practice to his private putting green, as the local golf club have said he cannot join due to its 'no stars' policy.

Debbie Squires, membership secretary at the club, said: "There's a long list and membership is by invitation only."

One resident said there was "no way" Tiger would be allowed to join.

"They are as low-key and unassuming as it gets. No stars, publicity or press. You have to be sponsored, and they've never been big on movie stars and such," the person said.

Locals believe that Woods, who has already won 10 major championships and who is closing in on Jack Nicklaus's record of 18, will alter his new property and demolish the main house to erect an even bigger pad.

Real estate agent, Dolly Peters, said. "It is in good condition, but I'd think that someone who paid that much would want to put their own stamp on it."

However, another local estate agent, Chappy Adams, said the multi-millionaire would be made welcome by his new neighbours so long as he remains as serious as he is on the golf course.

"I think he'll be made very welcome as long as he doesn't cause a lot of commotion," he said.

"It's a very private place where everyone keeps themselves to themselves. Tiger has been looking for an oceanfront property for over a year and viewed quite a few before opting for Jupiter Island. It's an incredibly beautiful place to live."