Crowds roll up as Tiger takes Oz by storm

THE size of the gallery yesterday at Kingston Heath, Melbourne, was nothing new for Tiger Woods, who also played before some 7,000 people a few days ago in China.

This was merely a practice round for the Australia Masters, and it showed just what kind of buzz Woods has generated on his return to Australia for the first time in 11 years.

Perhaps even more peculiar than TV network helicopters circling overhead as Woods played nine holes with Craig Parry was the sign posted at the ticket office: “Sold Out.” Australia sporting events, particularly golf, thrive on walk-up sales, and no one could remember the last time a tournament had no tickets available.