Tiger Woods all set to tee off in India for the first time

Tiger Woods is all set to tee off at the Delhi Golf Club (DGC) during a rather hushed-up private event on Tuesday morning that, as per sources, involves a substantial appearance fee.

You won’t get to see him, but if all goes to plan, the best-known face in golf the world over will be hitting the greens in India for the very first time. Tiger Woods is all set to tee off at the Delhi Golf Club (DGC) during a rather hushed-up private event on Tuesday morning that, as per sources, involves a substantial appearance fee.

It is reliably learnt that the world No 1 golfer, who is currently competing at the Dubai Desert Classic, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this week, is expected to be in the Capital early next week. The winner of 14 Majors is scheduled to play a few holes of golf with top corporate figure Pawan Munjal and a couple of other select guests – it is not yet known whether he has agreed to play a full round of 18 holes – before taking part in some engagements. Product endorsements, however, do not seem to figure on Woods’ agenda.

While refusing to divulge too much, DGC president, IVS Juneja, said, “So far, it is on the cards. What we have been granted is conditional acceptance. But it’ll only be confirmed in the next couple of days.”

Woods’ visit is not expected to last more than a few hours. Nevertheless, preparations are on in full swing at the DGC. Grandstands are being erected next to the 1st tee and the 18th green; a marquee area is also being constructed on the lawns to welcome the star golfer.

Amid this entire hullabaloo, it is still not exactly known who all will be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Tiger. There are some things money can’t buy – sure, it can get Woods -- more often than not, to where you want him to be (unconfirmed sources said Woods is being paid $2.2 million – roughly R 14 crore – for his short trip to India), but it cannot guarantee you a glimpse of the champion golfer. Sources said the event is not ticketed; members of the DGC, however, will have access to the club on February 4. The event is also largely out of bounds for the media.