December 08, 2008

GOLF Australia chief executive Stephen Pitt has only been in the job a matter of weeks, but it hasn't stopped him joining the queue of officials looking to lure world No.1 Tiger Woods to the Australian Open, possibly as early as next year.

Pitt is coy about the prospect of Woods playing at New South Wales Golf Club in 2009, but he has confirmed the world No.1 is on Golf Australia's wish-list and that talks are under way, believed to be with Woods's management group IMG.

Pitt also confirmed that NSW Events continued to support attempts to entice Woods to Sydney next year, a move that would have significant ramifications for the tournament's profile.

Events NSW chair John O'Neill said this year that Woods, who commands an appearance fee in the vicinity of $US4 million ($6.2 million), was on the radar.

Woods could be in the country anyway, with the Victorian Government working vigorously to entice him to the 2009 Australian Masters, expected to be played at Kingston Heath.


"I think everybody wants Tiger," said Pitt, who was appointed in September but who began with Golf Australia only in November.

"There has been a bit of work done along those lines.

"It's a possibility. We just have to wait and see."

Woods has played in Australia before, but not since he took part in the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne more than a decade ago.

He also played in the 1997 Australian Masters, finishing equal eighth behind Peter Lonard, and in the 1996 Australian Open, when he was tied fifth behind Greg Norman.

Interestingly, the 1996 Open was played at NSW Golf Club, the venue for next year's event.

"We're targeting him for the future," Pitt said. "He's been included in discussions with Events NSW. He's part of the vision for the Australian Open. But we're like everyone else.

"Our vision for the tournament is to make it the strongest event possible and to have the best players. That brings Tiger into the mix.

"There has been a range of discussions about players, including Tiger."

Other players mentioned in relation to the Open include world No.2 Sergio Garcia, world No.3 Phil Mickelson and three-time Major winner Vijay Singh.

But Woods is the big prize.

The 32-year-old is recovering from knee surgery, which is expected to sideline him until early next year. Barring any misfortune, he should be back to full fitness by the start of the 2009-2010 Australian summer - and his return would be a significant fillip for a Tour that has seen better days.



Woods has become arguably the most dominant player in the sport's history since he last played in Australia, taking his Major tally to 14 - four behind record-holder Jack Nicklaus.

Woods has won 65 US PGA Tour titles and more than $US82 million in prizemoney. And his reputation is such that he commands massive galleries and media coverage wherever he goes.

Should the Open or Masters succeed in convincing Woods to return in 2009, PGA Tour of Australasia chief executive Max Garske said his organisation would also look to get involved.

Woods has never played the Australian PGA.

"If any tournament can attract Tiger to play in Australia, it can only be beneficial for Australian golf," Garske said. "We would look to get him, too."

Woods hasn't played since undergoing a knee reconstruction after winning the 2008 US Open.

"Tiger's injured at the moment," Pitt said.

"We're just seeing how things pan out for him. He's an amazing player, probably the most famous and charismatic sportsperson in the world at the moment.

"Everyone would love to have Tiger in their event."

The drive to secure Woods has received the backing of the players, including Australian PGA champion Geoff Ogilvy.

"It would be awesome," Ogilvy said.

"He's been here before, but he's on a whole other level. It would be awesome if the average guy can go out and see what he does. He's a pretty stunning golfer, he makes us all look pretty silly most of the time. The feel when he is at a golf tournament ... is unbelievable.

"It's a bit like when Greg was here back in his prime. There was just an atmosphere at Huntingdale and Royal Melbourne when Greg was striding around there.

"Obviously it's an expensive proposition getting him to a golf tournament ... but definitely worth it, I think, just for the long-term impact.

"Imagine the impact of 25,000 people leaving the golf course and telling their Tiger Woods stories to everyone they know.

"It's just amazing the impact he could have."

Veteran professional Peter Senior, also chairman of PGA Tour of Australasia, agreed.

"Certainly we need a little bit of excitement back into the game," Senior said.

"It would be fantastic. We need something to happen in Australia and certainly Tiger would do it.

"Having him in the field would be a big bonus for golf in Australia."