THE PRICE OF SUCCESS

In Australia, everyone's talking about Tiger. Woods, that is, although his status is such that, like only a few including Shaq and Usain, a surname is a needless identifying appendage.

Woods is appearing at the Australian Masters at Huntingdale on a $3 million appearance fee. More than 10 times the total prizemoney, but no-one's complaining.

More than 25,000 fans are jamming the fairways each day in numbers claimed to be even greater than when the home favourite Greg Norman was at his peak in the 80s and 90s.

And Woods is earning his keep. Joint leader going into the second round and a hit off the course as well, keeping happy his myriad of sponsors.

Led by Nike, Woods' annual income through endorsements is calculated at around $115 million. Then there's golf course design and some petty cash in terms of prizemoney. He is sport's first billionaire, and his career is barely half over.

I've spoken earlier about the appeal of Tiger Woods (see earlier blog 'Tiger Tale'), but his charisma, 'internationalness' and so on would be rendered largely meaningless without his ability on the golf course.

And that part is remarkable. When you consider most tournaments, over four days and 72 holes for a total par of roughly 288 shots, are decided by only one or two shots, why does Tiger Woods win at the rate in which he does? After all, all professionals are capable of shooting sub-par rounds and in the low 60s. Many can drive further than Woods, some hit straighter and others match him on the greens.

And look at anyone's round and analyse the 'what-ifs'. The putt that lipped the cup, the one that stopped a millimetre short and, on the flip side, the lucky salvaged par from a bunker shot. It happens to all golfers.

So if all starters in a golf tournament are capable of such feats, say of shooting an 8-under 64, and if even Tiger Woods finds a putt that lips the cup, why, at the end of 72 holes, it is Woods who invariably holds the trophy aloft, a shot or two clear of the field?

The answer lies in preparation, concentration and consistency. Tiger Woods is capable of all sorts of party tricks, including bouncing a golf ball on the club head, tossing it into the air and hitting it sweetly and straight up the middle of the fairway while it's on its descent.

But do we ever see any show-boating during tournament play? No, Woods addresses each shot as if his entire tournament hangs on the result. And, after 72 holes, it often does. Not one shot squandered. Every little bit helps.

Quite simply, he doesn't stuff up.