Tiger Woods is coming back to Melbourne for this year’s Australian Masters but Victorian taxpayers, who are covering part of his appearance fee, will never know how much they’re paying for the privilege, says Victorian Tourism Minister Tim Holding.
Mr Holding said revealing the figure would give interstate governments and other locations the chance to match or exceed the bid and lure the star from Victoria.
‘‘[Tiger’s fee] won’t be made public,’’ he told Radio 3AW.
‘‘We work very hard to secure these events and we don’t want to bid the price up by disclosing the exact amounts.’’
It is understood Woods commands a $3 million appearance fee. It was widely reported the Victorian government paid $1.5 million of the golfer’s fee last year, despite Mr Holding saying today the exact amount would not be made public.
The tournament prize money last year was $270,000.
He said the expense was ‘‘infinitesimal’’ compared to the economic benefit which flowed the Woods’ appearance, with audited figures showing his performance at last year’s Australian Masters earned the state $34 million, exceeding forecasts by more $15 million.
‘‘That more than repays the modest investment,’’ said Mr Holding.
Mr Holding also said the money paid to Woods is a better investment than the $50 million Victorian taxpayers contribute to the Formula One Grand Prix.
Woods, who is still the world’s number-one golfer despite five months out of the game following a protracted and embarrassing sex scandal, will join Sergio Garcia of Spain, Camilo Villegas of Colombia and Australia’s Geoff Ogilvy for the tournament at The Victoria Golf Club from November 11-14.
’’I am pleased to be able to return to Melbourne to defend the JBWere Masters,’’ Woods said on his website overnight.
’’The Australian galleries made last year’s event a great experience for all the players and I look forward to playing at The Victoria Golf Club in November.’’
Woods enjoyed a rapturous reception when he jetted in for last year’s Australian Masters at Kingston Heath, with more than 100,000 fans attending the four-day, sell-out event.
Massive galleries lined the fairways for each day of his appearance, which culminated in Woods taking out the tournament by two shots ahead of Australia’s Greg Chalmers.
While he was feted by fans, fellows golfers and Premier John Brumby during his first visit, it was a bittersweet experience for the 34-year-old - Melbourne was also where his troubles began.
No sooner had Woods returned to the US than reports emerged of a rendezvous in Melbourne with New York nightclub hostess Rachel Uchitel.
The revelation led to a string of women coming forward with claims of sexual relationships with the 14-time major winner and the eventual breakdown of his marriage.
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/golf/hes-back-tiger-woods-returns-to-melbourne-20100609-xu0n.html
