Tiger returns to hunt at the Mines..

By Jugjet Singh

TIGER Woods made a return to the Mines Resort and Golf Club after 13 years, and the euphoria was not only evident among the fans, but also the other top golfers who are eager walk the same fairways with him.
  It was 1999 when the young Tiger first came to Malaysia and partnered Mark O'Meara to hand the United States the World title by five strokes at the Mines.
  "It is wonderful to be back at the Mines after 13 years, and after playing in the pro-am, I can say that the course looks just the same. Back then, to be able to hold off the Spaniards and win the World Cup just brought back some good old memories," said the CIMB Classic tournament favourite.
  Tiger played with Prime Minister Datuk Sri Najib Tun Razak in the morning pr-am.
  The Third Edition of the tournament, which offers a total of US6.1 million purse with the winner taking home a cool US1.3 million, will also see the last year's winner Bo Van Pelt and inaugural champion Ben Crane battling the Tiger.
  Tiger also loved the weather yesterday, as well as the golf course: "It is not cold outside! So it will be a nice test this week as the golf course is in great shape, even though its got a lot of rain on it.
  "Its soft, and has a few mud balls out there but overall, its in pretty good shape," said Tiger.
  The once World No 1 is just as eager to meet his fans in Asia, as they are of meeting him.
  "Some people probably sometimes forget that my mom was born here in Asia and it does feel like home because I'm very used to the culture. It's how I was raised at home and I've enjoyed my time throughout the years that I've spent here in Asia.
  "So I always appreciate the fans coming out and supporting the events and supporting me, as I'm finishing my 17th year on the Tour and so its nice to have that kind of support all those years," said Tiger.
  Tiger also touched on the Lance Armstrong doping scandal that has hit cycling badly: "Golf has implemented testing about three years ago but we do not do some blood work like some of the other sports do as tests are on urine sample right now.
  "But its certainly a positive step in the right direction to try and validate our sport.
  "I mean its a sport where we turn ourselves in on mistakes as when the ball moves in the trees and the guy calls a penalty on himself so golf is a different sport.
  "I think its one of the neat things about our great game and the testing has only enhanced that respectability," said Tiger.
  All eyes will be on the 'Asian' when he starts his first day in office at the Mines with Australian Marcus Fraser at 11.40am from the first tee.