Sign up for our daily newsletter

Want latest news, reviews, analysis, deals, and events, and offers from our commercial partners? We’ve got you.

• Tiger Woods inspires young athletes in China and Japan
• “I hope we were able to influence many,” said the 39-year-old
• Also announced he’ll be at the Players Championship next week

TIGER WOODS

Fourteen-time major champion Tiger Woods reflected on an ‘amazing’ trip to China and Japan where he hopes to have had a hugely positive effect on young, aspiring golfers.

The 39-year-old, who last visited China with Nike in 2011, arrived in Shanghai on Friday and spent time in the Nike campus, meeting employees before spending some time instructing around 40 junior golfers, giving an insight into different aspects of the game.

“It was great to speak to so many Chinese golf fans,” said Woods. “There are a lot of young and talented athletes here with huge potential to bring golf in China to the next level.”

Woods also met NBA legend Yao Ming, with the 7ft 6in star delighted to finally meet the former world No.1.

“It’s a great honour to meet Tiger in person and to share our experiences in sport to encourage young athletes to pursue their dreams,” said Yao. “Hopefully we inspired and motivated kids to challenge themselves and push the limits to accomplish their ultimate goals.”

Woods Yao

From China, it was on to Japan for Woods, where he conducted a clinic at Hanz GC in Yokohama for 72 lucky golfers, who were selected through an online write-in contest.

“I have a passion for coaching,” said Woods. “It’s always fun for me to share my insights and see an immediate improvement in those who want to learn. It’s like watching a light bulb switch on. It’s a cool feeling.

Tiger Woods then surprised fans by hosting a hitting contest at Tokyo’s famed Shinjuku train station, considered to be the busiest in the world.

Woods competed with three golfers in a lob-shot contest and a driving distance competition at the centre of the busy railway station.

“It was a perfect ending to an amazing trip” – Tiger Woods

“My trip to Japan was a lot of fun. It was a perfect ending to an amazing trip. Nike is a great partner in bringing energy to this sport that I love.

“With this visit to Asia, I hope we were able to influence many to either take up the sport for the first time or inspire those who already play golf, to play more.”

During his trip to Asia, Woods also announced that he would be participating in the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass next week, a tournament he has won twice, most recently in 2013.

Here’s a few pics from Tiger’s trip:

Tiger Woods in Asia :: Your thoughts

How do you think Tiger Woods will fare in the Players Championship after his decent showing at the Masters? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.

topics

More Reads

Image Turnberry green

The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland

Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.

Find Courses

Latest podcast

The PLAYERS Championship