Tiger Signs Up for Thai Skins Game


Tiger Woods will return to Thailand to play in a charity event in honor of King Bhumibol.

Woods, whose mother is Thai, will play with Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee, Englishman Paul Casey and Camilo Villegas of Colombia in the "World Golf Salutes King Bhumibol" skins game at Amata Spring Country Club on November 8.

The event is part of the celebrations of the King's 84th birthday and his 60th year on the throne. The total purse is 9 million baht. The four players have agreed to give all their prize money to King Bhumibol.

"It's a great honor to be part of the celebrations for King Bhumibol," Woods said in a statement. "I am really looking forward to coming back and hopefully win it all."

The 14-time major champion, who has been here several times, recalled when he last played in the country in 2000. "I am so glad and very excited to be going back to Thailand. I always remember the smiles on Thai people's faces and their warm welcome," he said.

Woods said that Thailand has always been a special place for his family, particularly his mother Kultida. "Hopefully, we can put on a good show for the spectators," he said.

Woods will arrive in Thailand on November 7 after the HSBC Champions in Shanghai. He and Thongchai will visit the King at Siriraj Hospital and meet Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on the morning of November 8.

Three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Thongchai said the event provides an opportunity for him to show gratitude to King Bhumibol. "It is an honor to do something for our beloved King. It is a dream come true for me and my whole family," said the winner of 12 Asian Tour titles.

Villegas said he will do his best to entertain the fans. "I am sure that it will be a great game to watch," said the 28-year-old.

The chair of the organizing committee, Suwat Liptapanlop, said the four players have agreed to wear pink shirts - the color Thais believe will give the King good health.

Proceeds from ticket sales will go to help flood victims, Liptapanlop added. Only 6,000 tickets are available.