Woods to play in Phuket

JAKARTA (JP): Golfing superstar Tiger Woods of the United States is to join a world-class field for the 1998 Johnnie Walker Classic, scheduled to be held at the spectacular Blue Canyon Country Club in Phuket, Thailand, from Jan. 20 to Jan. 25.

A spokeswoman said Tuesday that the Johnnie Walker Classic had a reputation for consistently attracting the best players in the world.

"Woods will certainly give his best at the tournament," the spokeswoman said.

The Johnnie Walker Classic is scheduled to feature 156 players from all over the world. Those who have confirmed their participation in the five-day tournament are South African Ernie Els, American Fred Couples and Welshman Ian Woosnam, as well as Woods.

Els is the current U.S.Open champion and defending Johnnie Walker Classic champion, Couples won the tournament in 1995 and Woosnam won it in 1996.

The players will vie for prize money of 800,000 (Rp 4.5 billion).

Woods is not a newcomer to the Blue Canyon Country Club. He played there as an amateur when he competed in the 1994 Johnnie Walker Classic. He finished 34th.

Born to a Thai mother and American father, Woods has a special place in the hearts of the Thai people and has given a huge boost to Asian golf because of his background and sensational play.

Woods even demonstrated his skills on American television at the age of five. He became the first player to win three successive U.S. Amateur Championships.

Woods turned professional at the end of August 1996. He started 1997 in dramatic fashion when he became the youngest player in history to win the U.S. Masters. He won by a record 12 shots, the largest victory margin in a major championships this century.

Woods' 1997 victories include the Mercedes Championships, Asia Honda Classic, GTE Byron Nelson Classic and Motorola Western Open. He was also a member of the U.S. Ryder Cup team. (lnt)