Tiger heading to Cat country

TIGER WOODS has confirmed his participation at next week’s AMEX World Championships at Mount Juliet Conrad in Co Kilkenny.

The former world number one will be going for his third American Express Championship win victory in a row and his fourth overall.

Woods’ inclusion means nine of the world’s top 10 will compete at the second staging of the American Express Championship on the Irish course.

World number four Phil Mickelson has withdrawn for personal reasons.

“Not only is it fantastic news that Tiger Woods has confirmed he will be defending his WGC - American Express Championship title, this year’s event will also showcase, at this time, 10 of Europe’s 12 Ryder Cup heroes,” tournament executive director Peter Adams said.

The world’s top 50 players are automatically eligible to compete for a prize fund of $7 million, with a record first prize fund of $1.2m for the winner.

Meanwhile, the European tour is to spread its wings to New Zealand next year.

The Holden New Zealand Open joins the tour on February 10-13, at the Gulf Harbour Country Club on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula in Auckland.

“This is a wonderful boost for golf in this country and will ensure our sport, players and country have a considerably enhanced profile through the massive television audience that goes with a co-sanctioned European event,” said New Zealand Golf chief executive Larry Graham.