Tiger Woods experienced the rebirth of "tigermania" as he swept into Heidelburg as the star attraction in the £1.2 million Deutsche Bank - SAP Open TPC of Europe.

The arrival of the 23-year-old at the St Leon-Rot course turned into the kind of media circus Woods thought had become a thing of the past over two years on from his US Masters triumph at Augusta.

Emerging stars such as world number one David Duval and Spanish sensation Sergio Garcia have taken some of the spotlight off Woods, a development he has been more than happy to see.

But his first appearance in a European Tour event on the Continent provoked a flurry of interest that had the interview room bursting to overflowing with journalists, cameramen and autograph hunters all straining to hear every word.

"I haven't seen this for some time," said Woods, whose only European Tour win came in the Johnnie Walker Classic in Thailand last year.

"In the States the press are starting to get accustomed to me and I know some of them on a first name basis, so today is not your typical day.

"David Duval has taken a lot of the media attention off me which is good. I don't have to do the preview press conference every week, now he has to do it which is great!"

An easing of the pressure has seen Woods appear much more relaxed and at ease with himself and all the attention, a change also attributed to his growing maturity.

Woods, who revealed his father Earl is doing well in his battle against prostate cancer, is joined in the strongest field so far in Europe this year by five more members of the world's top 10.

Lee Westwood has been cleared to defend his title after overcoming the pains in his arms and shoulders which forced him to miss the last two events.

And in-form Colin Montgomerie will be gunning for back-to-back wins after his victory at the Benson and Hedges International Open on Sunday.

Also chasing the £200,000 first prize are Ernie Els, Nick Price, Jesper Parnevik and Nick Faldo.

Meanwhile it falls to Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley and Padraig Harrington to represent Irish interests in Heidelburg.