Tiger Woods is already looking forward to the end of his season despite the excitement of being present in China for the ‘Duel at Jinsha Lake’.
Thousands flocked to the north-central Chinese course to witness Woods tackle current World No. 1 Rory McIlroy over 18-holes in a medal match-play format.
Both players had been overwhelmed by the welcome they received that included a Chinese military personnel forming a double line of honour at the entrance to the club.
There was shooting flames from the stage when the pair joined official guests in making their way to the stage before fireworks exploded overhead as Woods and McIlroy left their handprints in a special gold coloured cast.
Then as the function wound up the air was filled with golden coloured tinsel.
McIlroy and Woods then had an early lunch before taking to the practice range where the crowd broke through a heavy security cordon to form very close u-shaped line around the game’s leading two players.
And then no sooner after they left the range on route to the practice putting green many in the crowd rushed to the end of the range to ‘pocket’ golf balls hit by Woods and McIlroy.
However before teeing-off Woods spoke of the delight in returning to China for a first time since finishing sixth in the 2010 HSBC Champions event in Sheshan.
“It’s really great being here and this reception we’ve had today is incredible,” said Woods.
“When you think that there was no golf course at all in China until 1984 and now, I believe there is over 600 so that’s a phenomenal golf.
”I can’t imagine what China will be like when they a Number One ranked player in the world.”
Woods arrived in the 10-milllion populated Chinese city having finishing fourth in Sunday’s concluding CIMB Classic in Kuala Lumpur.
But then he’s already looking ahead of his own $4m World Challenge running from November 29th to December 2nd in northern L.A., and then a long festive season break till he again faces McIlroy, and for a second straight year, in the European Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Abu Dhabi.
“Sunday’s round was pretty good and I was really pleased with my finish,” said Woods.
“But after today’s event here in China, I’ve some corporate stuff down in Singapore and then my World Challenge, and that’s me done for the year.
“It’s been a long year, so I’m really looking forward to a break.”
