Tiger Woods - Headed Down Under to Defend His 2009 Australian Masters Title

When Tiger Woods visited Australia in October last year to play in the 2009 Australian Masters golf tournament, nobody could have anticipated that this would be the last title he would win for a long time to come. It was just after Tiger's return to the US that the major scandal erupted, causing him to step back from golfing activities for many months.

Recent appearances in US golf tournaments by Tiger Woods have not ended in success. His game has not been at its peak and his winning streak would appear to be in limbo.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the Victorian Government in Australia will pay Tiger Woods an appearance fee of $3 million to come down under to defend his 2009 Australian Masters title. Tiger Woods has accepted the challenge. His appearance fee is approximately ten (10) times more than the tournament prize of $270,000.

Other international golfers committed to this event to are Sergio Garcia, Camillo Villegas and Geoff Ogilvy. The 2010 Australian Masters, be held at Victoria Golf Club, is set to host one of the best fields at an Australian tournament for years.

Major Events Minister Tim Holding told the Herald Sun the Government was delighted to have lured Woods back to Melbourne.

"Tiger's personal matters are matters for him and his family. The 2010 event smashed all records and I expect the interest in Tiger returning to Melbourne will be huge," Mr Holding said.

Booking Tiger Woods for the return engagement was brokered by the Victorian Major Events Company and tournament owner IMG, the same company that manages Woods.

The 2010 ticket prices will be slightly more expensive at $49 for general admission (up $5 on last year). One child under 14 years of age will be permitted complimentary access for each paying adult ticket holder subject to restrictions on venue capacities. Numbers will be capped at about 20,000 fans a day.

The Australian Masters will be Tiger Woods' fourth trip to Melbourne during his career. It is hoped it will be followed by a fifth when Royal Melbourne hosts the prestigious President's Cup late next year.

Another boost to Victoria's economy

In 2009, the Victorian economy was boosted by $34 million with more than 106,000 fans attending the sell-out, four-day event. A similar result is expected this year because of the participation of Tiger Woods and other internationally famous golfers.

Highlights of the November 2010 sporting calendar in Melbourne, Australia

November in Melbourne, Australia is notably an exciting time for sports fans and will be especially so this year with the 150^th running of the Melbourne Cup on 2 November and the Masters starting on 11 November. Leading into these events is the Australia-England rugby league Test commencing on 30 October. Melbourne prides itself on being the venue for many major sporting events that include the Australian Open Tennis Tournament and the Australian Grand Prix racing event.

Sources:

http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/golf/tiger-woods-has-a-3m-return-ticket-to-melbourne-guess-whos-paying/story-e6frepnf-1225877277841

http://www.visitvictoria.com/

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