Tiger's Aussie trip 'about more than just money'

   
So why, from all these invitations, did Woods decide to play in the Australian Masters starting on Thursday?

It's not only because of the $US3 million appearance fee, because Woods can get a similar figure from any number of tournaments.
   
Part of it is to do with scheduling, as Woods is already in the relative vicinity, playing in the HSBC Champions tournament in Shanghai.
   
More than anything, though, it seems Kingston Heath's reputation as one of the worlds great courses was the catalyst that led to the deal to bring the 14-time major winner back to Australia for the first time in 11 years.
   
"He (Woods) has long said sandbelt courses are ones he really enjoys and respects, so it was a factor for sure," Mark Steinberg said on Sunday.
   
"Every year, I talk to dozens of tournaments around the world about the potential of Tiger visiting. He likes to travel around the world and likes to help grow the game.
   
"He hasn't been back to Australia in quite some time. It's a great part of the world, he's playing one of the best golf courses in the world and it sounds like the fans are eagerly anticipating his arrival."
   
Steinberg, who also heads the golf division of the powerful International Management Group, indicated that the trust he developed in Brendan McClements, chief of the Victorian Major Events Company that negotiated the deal, didn't hurt either.

"He's just a straight-up honest guy," Steinberg continued.

"He and I met early last year and had a constructive conversation and tried to develop what would be the best way to bring Tiger there.
   
"He's been a pleasure to deal with and I like people that do what they say they're going to do, and they're organising it the way we've all talked about."
   
Steinberg refused to reveal any of Woods planned off-course movements, citing security concerns.

Australian Geoff Ogilvy, who will be the second highest-ranked player in the field, hopes that Woods visit will inspire some youngsters to take up golf.
   
"I think there'll be a knock-on effect," Ogilvy said.

"We get good crowds in Melbourne but he's going to bring some people who haven't been to a golf tournament in a while. Hopefully they'll think it's fun and do it again."

Ogilvy would be happy to play with Woods, but thinks it would probably be better for a couple of young players to be part of the Woods threesome for the first two rounds, before the draw becomes automatic.
   
"I play with him a lot. If I play with him I will enjoy it as always but it would also be quite relaxing and nice to play on the other side of the draw and get away from him.

"There are plenty of good candidates of young Australians who it would be cool to see play with him."