Golf: Tiger Woods sees bright future for Asia

November 09, 2010 | 00:07

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Tiger Woods said Monday he is upbeat about prospects for golf in Asia and expects to see more events in the region in future.

The former number one put on another disappointing performance at a four-man charity skins tournament in his mother's home country, but said it was "great being back" in Thailand.

"Obviously this region is growing in the game of golf. There's no doubt you'll see more events down the pipeline in Asia," Woods said.

The US golf star, who lost his world number one ranking to Englishman Lee Westwood last week after a 281-week tenure at the top, is still searching for his first tournament victory of 2010.

Woods has endured a torrid time since his return to golf in April following a sex scandal that engulfed his personal and professional life.

"In order to be number one in the world you have to win golf tournaments and I didn't do that this year," he told media at the Amata Spring Country Club near Bangkok after losing in the "World Golf Salutes King Bhumibol" tournament.

"I had numerous opportunities to play well but I didn't do it."

Camilo Villegas of Colombia came top with prize money of 109,800 dollars in the 18-hole tournament, part of celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the Thai king's coronation.

Britain's Paul Casey came second with 92,400 dollars, followed by Thai number one Thongchai Jaidee on 90,000 US dollars, leaving Woods trailing in fourth with just 6,600 dollars for one skin.

The prize money will go to a charity foundation. In a skins tournament, a pot of money is up for grabs for each hole and if no player wins the hole outright, it is carried over to the next one.

Woods has just two chances left to muster a win in 2010: the JBWere Masters in Melbourne teeing off Thursday, and next month's Chevron World Challenge in California.

AFP

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