If you want to know if Tiger Woods is playing in the American Express world championship at Mount Juliet in September, it helps to be a bit of detective. The world number one hasn't actually said "yes" - but the clues, and the vibes, if they mean anything, indicate he will be present for the $5.5 million event that is the centrepiece of a year of virtual non-stop tournament golf in Ireland.
The evidence to back up an appearance by the biggest cat of all in Kilkenny this autumn are not too hard to find: firstly, his image (approved by IMG, his management company) has appeared on all the promotional material; secondly, the player's official website includes the tournament in his itinerary; and, thirdly, he has been sponsored by AmEx since 1997 and, historically, has played in each event that carries their name.
"Barring any unforeseen circumstance we're confident that Tiger will appear, but he doesn't normally confirm his entry until much nearer to an event," remarked Peter Adams, the championship director. Woods has been a regular visitor to Ireland as he prepares for the British Open each year, and played in the JP McManus Pro-Am in Limerick two years ago, but his participation at Mount Juliet would mark the first competitive tournament appearance.
Woods's win in the US Masters prompted a surge on advance ticket sales for the tournament (which takes place on September 19th-22nd), so much so that organisers are currently in discussions with the Garda to determine safety and infrastructure factors which may see the daily attendance increased above the agreed figure of 25,000.
"While we still anticipate some tickets being available during the week of the championship, we can give no guarantees in that respect. The sales so far have been significant," said Adams.
The AmEx tournament is confined to the top players in the world with strict eligibility requirements. The top 50 from the official world rankings (on September 9th) will qualify, along with any remaining top-30 players on the US Tour moneylist on that date not already qualified; the top 20 players from the European Tour moneylist not already included in the field; any remaining top-three players from the Australasian Tour moneylist not already included; any remaining top-three players from the Southern Africa Tour not already in the field; any remaining top-three players from the Japan Golf Tour, and the leading money winner from the 2001 Asian PGA moneylist, if not already in the field. In all, there could be up to 70 participants.
It is one of four WGC events - along with the Accenture Matchplay, NEC Invitational and EMC World Cup - that were initiated to make the sport more global and, outside the majors, are considered the most important in tournament golf. This year's staging comes a week ahead of the Ryder Cup at The Belfry, which should guarantee a strong field.
There will be no so-called "Tiger-proofing" of the course, however. Ten holes have been marginally extended after consultations between course designer Jack Nicklaus and Mount Juliet's own team of Jeff Howes and Aidan O'Hara - but the lengthening, according to owner Dr Tim Mahony, are "minor".
He added: "Perhaps the most significant changes are the reconstruction of all 18 greens to give them the nuances that Nicklaus originally built into them. We expect to have them as true and as fast as any greens, with the exception of the back nine at Augusta on a Sunday."
There are no plans to impose penal rough, although Adams confirmed that there will be a "tightening" of a number of fairways.
Mike Weir, who won the title when it was last played at Valderrama in September 2000, is looking forward to playing the course. He revealed yesterday he had picked the brains of Padraig Harrington - Mount Juliet's touring professional - at Augusta.
"Padraig told me it was immaculate, the best-conditioned course in Ireland, which is saying something, considering the quality of courses over there," said Weir, who aims to prepare for this year's British Open at Muirfield by playing a number of courses here in the run-up.
