Tiger Woods has admitted that appearance money affects which tournaments he chooses to play in.
It’s been rumoured that he will be getting more than $2m to play in the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship this week plus whatever he wins in the tournament.
The former world number one has chosen to play in the Middle East above Torrey Pines in California which is usually the season opener on the PGA Tour.
Asked whether the payment influenced his scheduling, Woods said: “I’d have to say yes, it certainly does.”
He added: “That’s one of the reasons why a lot of the guys who play in Europe do play in Europe, and they do get paid [appearance fees].
“I think the only tour that doesn’t pay is the US Tour”
Tiger won his last major title, the 2008 US Open, at Torrey Pines and in 12 Tour events at the San Diego course he has won on six occasions.
The last time Tiger played was at his own event , the World Challenge tournament in California to record his first victory for two years.