Americans shun Shanghai

Tiger Woods, in Shanghai this week for the HSBC Champions tournament, considers travelling the world to be “one of the perks of professional golf.”

But the event provides further proof that not every star shares that view.

The world’s top 50 as at September 12 were all eligible to play, but only 15 have made the trip and Woods is the only American taking part.

“With the travel comes certain challenges, but you also get the chance to sample the passion for golf in other parts of the world,” stated the world number one.

Asked if he thought more leading players should embrace the global stage Woods added: “I think a lot do, but at the end of the day it is a personal decision and when you have such a successful tour as we do in the United States, then it is always going to be difficult for other tours to compete.”

Woods and world number two Vijay Singh are nevertheless the big catches for the sponsors and add real glitter to what is not only the richest golf tournament ever staged in Asia, but also the opening leg of the new European Tour season.

Colin Montgomerie, winner of a record eighth Order of Merit title two weeks ago, Volvo Masters champion Paul McGinley, Padraig Harrington and David Howell head the European challenge for a first prize of over £475,000 – and the equivalent number of Ryder Cup points.

Montgomerie has been paired with Woods in the first two rounds. They last played together in the third round of the Open at St Andrews in July, but although Montgomerie scored lower he went on to finish second and has still to win an event in which Woods is playing.

Woods, who is believed to be receiving a fee in excess of €1.7m this week, went straight from his arrival to a clinic at the Sheshan International club, then played nine holes of practice.

His busy day also included a city centre press conference – not surprisingly with hordes of local media in attendance – and then a publicity stunt when he hit balls out into the 580-yard wide Huang Pu river.

“I am realy excited to come to China. I like the concept of crowning the Champion of Champions from the major tours and certainly hope I can top off my year by winning the title.”

He has, of course, already captured the Masters and Open in 2005, plus two more world championships and the American money list title for the sixth time in his career.

“There is a real buzz about golf in China and that is only going to grow as the game’s popularity increases,” he added.

“There is no doubt that the hunger for the game in this part of the world will have a positive effect on the professional game.

“It is also sure to nurture future talent and before long it will result in not just one, but a generation of world-class players. You only have to look at the women’s game to see that.”

Woods was second in the Tour Championship in Atlanta on Sunday to take his earnings for the season through the USD10million mark.

“After putting in so much hard work to make things right it’s great to reap the rewards. I’ve always strived to be the best, by setting myself tough goals.

“So many people said I was doing the wrong things. They can now understand why I made those changes.

“Each and every week I feel as if I just play my game I should have a chance come the back nine – and that’s where you want to go. I’m still driven by the desire to be the best.”

And off the course he says his marriage to Elin Nordegren is only helping him achieve his goals.

“People were predicting that married life would spell the end of my career,” he added. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think that’s happened yet. It’s been fantastic.

“Elin is my best friend and it’s been great to have someone to talk and share things with. She makes me a stronger and better person. She is truly a remarkable person.”