TIGER TALE

Have we ever seen anything like it? Has there ever been a sports star who's attracted so much attention as Tiger Woods has in his visit to Melbourne this week?

When Woods arrived, a Melbourne radio station breathlessly announced he stepped out of his private jet, left foot first!! And we've learnt that he had a club sandwich after his practice round on Tuesday!! Already, enough information to write the definitive book of Tiger's visit Down Under.

When he practiced on Tuesday, two days out from the start of the Australian Masters at Kingston Heath, helicoptors buzzed overhead as he debated which club he'd use on the 12th.

Overkill?? Well, you and I may think so. Even allowing for the fact that Woods is the greatest player of his generation and, arguably, the greatest golfer of all time. And yet, it's the opinion of the paying public that really counts. And as the fans packed the fairways for practice round number one, and all Tiger functions have been booked out in advance, who can argue with the insatiable appetite of those who, ultimately, pay the bills?

In economic terms, it's called supply and demand. In his first visit to Australia for yonks, there's been little first-hand supply of Tiger Woods in Australia, creating a massive demand for his attention.

So why is Tiger Woods the sporting phenomenon that he is? Well, for a start he can hit a golf ball incredibly well and yet, paradoxically, he generally does so fewer times in a round than all of his opponents.

Secondly, he is remarkably patient and obliging to his fans and the general golfing world. When one lucky fan scored an autograph from the great one at Kingston Heath, the fan responded with a 'thankyou Mr Woods'. To which Woods replied: "Thank YOU." How many other elite sports stars, pestered almost all of their waking hours, would thank fans on the receiving end of his signature?

And thirdly, perhaps it's his universal heritage. Woods, an American, has roots to Asia and white and black America. So many races can relate to him, and claim him as one of their own.

Undoubtedly, Tiger Woods is more than a sports star. He clearly fits the mould of a sports celebrity. Big time.