Golf: Woods aura still strong in Asia

KUALA LUMPUR: Top Asian golfers are hoping to seize their chance to upstage Tiger Woods in Malaysia this week – but first they will have to overcome their awe of the American great.

Ahead of the $6.1 million event in Kuala Lumpur, India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar admitted he found it a little unsettling when the 14-time major champion suddenly appeared during a practice round.

“He was standing right behind the tee box waiting for me to clear it,” said Bhullar. “Suddenly you see Tiger Woods standing right behind your tee box, obviously, it’s kind of intimidating. But everybody’s at the same level, and at this tournament, everybody wants to win. Golf is no longer only the PGA Tour. If you look at the Ryder Cup or a few of the big tours, players are coming off from all over the world.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 24^th, 2012.