Spain’s in-form Gonzalo Fernandez Castano declared he has nothing to lose in his first round WGC – Accenture Match Play encounter against Tiger Woods.

‘Gonzo’ is making his debut in the $US 8.5m while Woods is a three time former champion.

However with Woods now ranked 20th in the world it meant facing the Spaniard who is currently ranked 48th in the world.

‘Gonzo’ was introduced to the world’s golfing media at Arizona where it didn’t take long before the subject of playing against Woods was raised.

'Gonzo' will need to draw on his Barclays Singapore Open winning form to get the better of Tiger Woods. (Photo - Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

“Well, it’s good to be here as it’s my first time playing the match play,” said Gonzo.

“It’s not my first time in Tucson.  I played the Chrysler Classic in 2006.  It’s a place I like very much.  Has nothing to do with Spain, but it’s a fun place to be. 

“I’m looking forward to tournament and especially to the Wednesday pairing.  I think it’s great to be playing against Tiger. 

“All the top 64 players in the world, they’re all good, and you can get beat by any of them.  But playing against one of the best players in history, it’s a good experience, and of course I think I have nothing to lose.  So I just need to go out there and try my best.

“Having seen the draw it’s a funny feeling because being 48th in the World Rankings at the moment, you don’t expect to be paired against Tiger Woods. 

“But those things happen.  He’s probably not at his best.  And you have to look at it that way.  Maybe it’s a good chance to play good.  And maybe I can beat him.  That would be a great‑‑ good feeling.

“I’m quite confident with my game and hopefully we can have a good tournament.  Of course, to have a good tournament I need to first of all play the best golf of my life on Wednesday.  But, yeah, I was definitely looking forward to this tournament.”

On ‘Gonzo’s’ side is a record of lower profile players knocking Woods out of the first round of the championship including the Australian duo of Peter O’Malley and Nick O’Hern.

And while the Woods/Castano match is set to attract large galleries, ‘Gonzo’ is unconcerned at the prospect of having to deal with both Woods and an obvious bias American following.

“Well, I played with big galleries before, so I don’t think that’s going to be a problem,” he said. 

“I’m sure they will all be rooting for him.  That’s a different story.  I’ve never been in that situation.  But you never know.  I just want to enjoy.  I’ve never played with Tiger before, not even on a stroke play event.  I just want to go out there.  For me it’s a big privilege. 

“If I win, fantastic.  If I lose, well, I’ve lost to one of the best players of golf in history.

“But as I said I know I need to play my best golf and hopefully he doesn’t play his best.  That’s the way it works.  Match play is like that.  Sometimes you shoot 67 and you lose.  Other days you shoot 74 and you win.

“So hopefully it goes my way on Wednesday.  But as I said, I think you only‑‑ you need to take the positives of all this.  I was quite happy to see my pairing.  And I think I can‑‑ you can learn a lot from this experience.”