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SHANGHAI – Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson sat across from each other in a mock game of Chinese checkers against the spectacular backdrop of Shanghai’s trendy Bund district. Later, they posed with the HSBC Champions trophy.
The world’s best two players have been taking part in plenty of photo opportunities together lately.
Only six weeks ago in Atlanta, they shared the spotlight at the Tour Championship when Mickelson won the tournament by three shots over Woods, and Woods hoisted the FedEx Cup trophy. Then came a trophy they shared at the Presidents Cup, where both produced unbeaten records in San Francisco.
Halfway around the world, they are going at it again.
Despite a 78-man field from 23 countries at this World Golf Championship – the strongest field ever assembled in Asia – Woods and Mickelson remain the top attraction.
“I’m excited that Tiger and I are able to compete in the same event here in China,” Mickelson said Wednesday on the eve of the HSBC Champions at Sheshan International Golf Club. “I think that it will provide some exposure to the game of golf throughout the country, and I’m hopeful that we compete head-to-head over the weekend, and are both in contention.”
The HSBC Champions might be the appropriate way to celebrate a phenomenal year for golf in Asia.
Y.E. Yang of South Korea made history in two respects at the PGA Championship, becoming the first Asian-born golfer to win a major and the first player to win a major where Woods had the lead going into the final round.
Only a week ago, the first Asian Amateur Championship was staged at Mission Hills Golf Club in China, with the winner awarded a spot in the Masters next year and an exemption into the final stage of British Open qualifying.
The year ends with the first World Golf Championship in Asia that counts toward the world ranking.
“I’m looking forward to it. I think everyone is,” Woods said. “Having this now become a World Golf Championship, I think everyone is very excited about what this tournament means in the scope of things, not just here in China but in all of Asia. As a player, we are looking forward to playing this golf course against such a great field.”
The field includes defending champion Sergio Garcia, three-time major winner Padraig Harrington, British Open champion Stewart Cink and Lee Westwood, who is leading the Race to Dubai on the European Tour.
Woods is no stranger to playing overseas, having played at least one international tournament every year since his pro debut in 1996. But while that familiar spinning globe – the World Golf Championship logo – is now found on the bright red signs around the course, there is no denying this tournament has a different feel.
HSBC has expanded its promotional effort to the point that it had sand in the bunkers on the practice range painted red, its corporate color. It also had pictures of Woods, Mickelson, Harrington, Geoff Ogilvy and Paul Casey painted on elevator doors at the official hotel.
Advance tickets sold at double the rate compared with last year, a product of Woods returning to Shanghai, the tournament being upgraded to WGC status and the appearance of 18-year-old Ryo Ishikawa of Japan.
From red sand in the practice range bunkers to Woods and Mickelson leading a world-class field, there is nothing ordinary about this tournament.
