Like 25,000 others I was excited on Friday to see Tiger Woods playing golf in Melbourne. I can’t logically justify spending public money as an appearance fee to attract Woods – I oppose spending anything on the Grand Prix – but given that the money is spent – less than 10% of the subsidy devoted to the Grand Prix – it was be foolish not to enjoy the spectacle. It’s a memory I will keep for a long time.
It was a fantastic day. Hot Melbourne summer weather with a cooling breeze. The sand-belt Kingston Heath a magnificent course – not too long but challenging and very tight. The greens often dome-shaped and lightning fast. The fairways are simply perfection. I’d love to play it. TW has immense driving power so this course was something of a leveler – power will help here on a few holes but accuracy around the greens is paramount. Of course TW is great at doing these things as well but one source of strength has been leveled off. In fact, on balance, Woods likes this thinking-players course.
Woods is a great athlete with a great physique – strong with obvious extreme flexibility. He played for the most part carefully and with great distinction. Very systematic in his approach to everything as were many of the other Australian professionals - Greg Chalmers impressed – he is one of the older golfers worth watching. I also thought TW looked more relaxed than he does in big US events – he chatted and smiled with his Aussie partners.
The final day today – my guess is that TW will take it out. He had a ‘horrible’ round on Saturday but still finished on the pace. Pure class.
Update: Woods took out the title in great style by two shots from Greg Chalmers who was a bit unlucky with his putting the last few holes.
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