Tiger gets his claws into Mount Juliet
Mount Juliet golf course in Thomastown was the number one destination for fans of golf’s number one star.
Armed with binoculars and cameras, they came in droves to catch a glimpse of the Tiger.
And he didn’t disappoint. Arriving at the course by helicopter yesterday morning just before 10am, he received a warm round of applause when he teed off on a practice run at 2.15pm. While all eyes were firmly set on visiting golfers, Dublin’s Padraig Harrington was also out and about.
Still suffering a minor neck injury, Harrington was also keeping close watch on Woods, whom he has been drawn to play with.
Most of the world’s top golf players spent the early part of yesterday morning in Mount Juliet’s gym before trying out the immaculately prepared course.
Millions of euro have been pumped into the course to ensure it is in perfect condition for the event.
The 72-hole competition is expected to draw crowds of more than 25,000 to the south east each day over the coming days. Even the numbers already showing up for a glimpse at the stars on their practice runs has surpassed all expectations.
Director of marketing at Mount Juliet Kate McCann said there was a very relaxed atmosphere during the practice sessions.
She added: “If you are keen on seeing the golfers, the best chance of seeing them in a relaxed mode is before the competition begins.
“The crowds won’t be as big. “It’s a nice environment in which to see them.”
The winner of this year’s World Golf Championships will receive
$1 million in prize money, the total prize fund is $5.5m.
It is the first time that any of the four World Golf Championship events has been brought to Ireland.
Championship director Peter Adams said the response from the general public had been very positive towards the event.
“We launched ticket sales exactly a year before the championship and were unsure about the public reaction.
“But demand was strong from the very outset and sales have increased further in the past few weeks with the high profile events getting underway.”
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