Golf: Woods tells NZ fans he'll be there

20 Dec, 2001 10:50 PM3 mins to read

Golf superstar Tiger Woods says he is definitely on his way here for the New Zealand Open.

Woods has confirmed he will be at Paraparaumu Beach in January for the Open, and tournament organisers are delighted on three fronts.

His absence would have meant: a serious drop in the significance of what promises to be New Zealand's biggest sports occasion of the year; big problems attracting other prominent players; and headaches with potential sponsors.

"This is an international event that I am really looking forward to playing," Woods said in a statement issued by his International Management Group spokesman, Mark Steinberg.

"As a result of my relationship with [New Zealander caddie] Steve Williams, I have met a number of New Zealanders. I want to go to New Zealand and play in front of these people and enjoy their hospitality and their homeland."

There had been fears that Woods - who bypassed the Lancome Trophy in France in September on advice from the US State Department - would stay home in light of the terrorist attacks in America and subsequent retaliatory strikes on Afghanistan.

However, he played an exhibition in Shenzhen, China, at the weekend and will line up at the World Cup in Gotemba City, Japan, on Thursday.

There was one cautionary word from Mr Steinberg, who said he and Woods would be monitoring world events and would take advice regarding any international travel if the situation deteriorated.

"Tiger has stated that he is really looking forward to making his New Zealand visit and playing in the New Zealand Open." said Mr Steinberg.

"Tiger is very aware of the need for him to fulfil his role as an ambassador for golf, and obviously he wants to be a part of a highly successful New Zealand Open and the subsequent events around the Open."

Mr Steinberg said he was working closely with the tournament promoters - Open 2002 Ltd - to ensure that the tournament and the visit were a success.

Open spokesman David Pool said preparations for Woods' visit were in full swing.

"Tiger's commitment to play here in January is very important. We never doubted it, but it's a boost on the final countdown.

"Experiencing Tigermania is something very special; nothing matches it," said Mr Pool.

"We want as many Kiwis as possible to have the opportunity to experience it first-hand for themselves."

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