Woods stands firm, to tee off despite threats

KAPALUA (HAWAII), JANUARY 7: Fresh off an eight-under-par 65 in the final round of the Mercedes Championships, Tiger Woods departed last night for the New Zealand Open, saying threats to disrupt the tournament would not deter him from competing in the Australasian Tour event.

Just days before Woods’ first appearance in New Zealand, police and US embassy officials in Wellington acknowledged that the embassy received a letter containing cyanide and threats to disrupt the tournament. "I know the tournament officials have done a wonderful job of organising the event. They’ve assured me I’m going to be safe," Woods, the number one player in the world, said after completing 72 holes at the plantation course at Kapalua resort with a 281 total, good for joint 10th place in the season-opening US PGA Tour event. "They’ll do the best they can for not only myself, but the rest of the players and all the people coming out to the tournament."

Woods, 26, the reigning Masters champion, said he’s had "his fair share" of incidents and threats to contend with in his career. Last January he said, "I’ve been getting (threats) since I turned pro. It hasn’t changed. I’ve known that all my life."

"Things like this do happen. You have to go on living your life," Woods said yesterday. "It’s unfortunate that people have these type of views and do these types of acts. (but) I’m going down there, enjoy myself try and play like I did today.

"I’m looking forward to getting down there. This is going to be a fun week for all of us. I’m going back to Stevie’s (caddie Steve William’s) hometown and his home turf. I’m looking forward to having fun, competing, playing and hopefully playing well." Jon White, Wellington assistant police commissioner, said the threats were directed at the tournament, rather than Woods individually, but "it was clear the threats had been made because Woods, the world’s number one golfer, was playing." White said a small amount of cyanide, a deadly poison, was in the letter mailed in New Zealand and received by the embassy in Wellington in December. Woods’ agent, Mark Steinberg of IMG, said Woods has "round the clock security, but we have stepped it up a little bit," for this week’s trip.

Steinberg said he has been in contact with tournament officials and law enforcement authorities for the last few weeks. "When something happens we deal with the appropriate parties and if we’re comfortable with how they’re handling everything, then you make the decision and we’re going to go. We’re very comfortable. They have done a very, very good job - the tournament, the police and the FBI - handling the situation."

Woods reportedly was paid 2 million dollars to play in the $420,000 tournament that begins Thursday at the Paraparaumu beach course. (Agencies)