TIGER LOOKING FORWARD TO “WONDERFUL THINGS” IN ABU DHABI 25 - January 2012

Abu Dhabi, UAE. Tuesday 24th January, 2012: Tiger Woods, who is playing in his first Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, said he is looking forward to experiencing the “wonderful things” the Emirate has to offer.

Speaking at a press conference this morning ahead of the action starting on Thursday (26 January), Tiger said: “There are probably several reasons why I’ve wanted to come to Abu Dhabi.  The guys who have played here have said just wonderful things.”

Playing his first event of the year, Tiger said he was keen to experience the National Course. “I hear nothing but positive things of the golf course.  I know it's a long one.  But somehow the scores seem to be pretty low.”

He added: “I’ve never played here before and this is exciting for me.  This is an incredible field that they have assembled here.”

Tiger also spoke warmly of HSBC, the title sponsor for the Championship. “HSBC has been a huge supporter of my Foundation for years.”

Earlier, Tiger joined world numbers two and three, Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy, for a celebration of traditional Emirati ayala (celebration) dancing.