Melbourne-bound Tiger Woods wasn't at his best, but he still carded a respectable five-under-par 67 in the opening round at the Wold Golf Championships-HSBC Champions.

December's $1.5 million Australian Open has lost some significant lustre with Greg Norman withdrawing from the event.

Tiger Woods is keen to test his skills at Kingston Heath in Melbourne, saying rivals have raved about the layout hosting the JBWere Masters.

Robert Allenby insists his decision to pull out of the JBWere Masters is purely because of an overcrowded schedule and has nothing to do with his threat to boycott home tournaments.

World No.1 Tiger Woods has paid tribute to wife Elin for putting up with him being away from home, as he prepares to win a tournament that has so far eluded him, the HSBC Champions.

Australian Masters champion Rod Pampling hopes that Tiger Woods's appearance in Melbourne next week leads to a long-term revival of the Australian tournament golf scene.

American Doug Barron has been given a one-year doping ban by the US PGA Tour - its first suspension for performance-enhancing substances.