Golf: Woods tees off with Tiger talk

Cheyenne Woods is already one of the most popular players in golf. But she rarely talks about herself.

Woods, 22, in her first full year as a professional, said most of the time media are keen to talk to her mostly about her famous uncle Tiger Woods.

The Wake Forrest University graduate has qualified for the Ladies European Tour, and ventured to Australia and New Zealand on a tournament invitation.

While she has already won a mini-tour event and impressed in her first few months as a professional, it is her uncle who grabs most of the media interest.

"Ever since I've started playing nationally I have had the Tiger Woods question from media. I've got accustomed to it," said Woods.

"It is part of my life. I expect it. I would say that 75 to 80 per cent of the questions from media to me are about Tiger and the rest is about how I feel this week."

Like her famous uncle, Woods began playing the game as a child with the same mentor, Tiger's late father Earl.

"I started when I was 5 and tournaments when I was 8 or 9.

"My grandfather Earl Woods got me started and guided me through my junior career.

"Ever since I was 5 years old I watched Tiger play on TV and I always knew that it is what I want to be. So to be able to be here now and be on my way and to be on the LPGA one day is great.

"Tiger has been a huge influence on me. The first time I watched him I was in a stroller. I've always been a huge fan. For him to be in my family is awesome and a huge motivation."

Woods is hoping for a fast start this week at the New Zealand women's Open starting in Christchurch today and next week in the Australian Open.

Woods is already a fan of the Clearwater course. "I love the layout. It is a really fun course and I think it is going to be challenging this week. It makes you think about each shot. This week I am excited."