Golf legend Tiger Woods keen to return to India

Woods will host World Challenge 2014 sponsored by Hero Moto Corp. Ltd. in Orlando, Florida, in December.

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Golf legend Tiger Woods keen to return to India
Hero Moto Corp. managing director Pawan Munjal and ace golfer Tiger Woods (left)

Hero Moto Corp. managing director Pawan Munjal and ace golfer Tiger Woods (left)
Hero Moto Corp. managing director Pawan Munjal and ace golfer Tiger Woods (left)

He may not be the irresistible force he once was on the golf course, but Tiger Woods is still the biggest name in the sport. He has slipped to No.15 in the Official World Golf Rankings mainly due to various injuries and constant wear and tear on his body, but the 14 Major titles on his mantelpiece and his unprecedented dominance make him the most prominent draw card at any event.

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The golfing legend came to India in February on the invitation of Hero Moto Corp. Ltd. vice-president and managing director Pawan Munjal to play a round at the Delhi Golf Club. Their association has now been taken to another level with the company becoming the title sponsor for the World Challenge 2014, the elite tournament to be hosted by Woods in Orlando, Florida, in December.

Woods wants to return the favour by visiting India once again in the near future.

"I definitely look forward to visiting India again?can't say when, but we will certainly try and work out some suitable date in the future," the former World No. 1 said.

Woods remembers his round at the DGC and the enthusiasm of fans with fondness. "It was a great experience visiting India. The fans were awesome and very welcoming to me. I really enjoyed my time there," he reminisced.

Hero has been the biggest sponsor of golf in India over the last decade, and with this new sponsorship deal, has taken a big leap. Woods, for one, believes the World Challenge and the two-wheeler giant are perfect partners.

"I'm very excited to welcome Hero as new title sponsor and to celebrate their partnership in this event. Their global presence is a perfect fit for our tournament and we are excited to share their brand to the golf world," Woods felt. "To have Hero's global appeal is great for the tournament and for the game of golf."

The World Challenge is an end-of-the-year tournament and usually attracts a stellar field, including several Major champions. Zach Johnson, the 2007 Masters champion, beat Woods in a playoff last year. Graeme McDowell, the 2010 US Open winner, is also a past champion.

The tournament assumes added significance as it could mark Woods's return to competition after missing the cut at the PGA Championship in August. The year has been a frustrating time for the legend as he has not been able to play on a regular basis and has opted out of the Ryder Cup to be played in Scotland.