Woods won't join in game of bragging rights

If confirmation was needed that Tiger Woods has a focused approach to winning, it comes with his decision to turn down an invitation to play in the ultimate match for bragging rights between two of the world's most exclusive golf clubs.

The Isleworth and Lake Nona clubs, situated near Orlando in Florida, boast memberships that include many of the leading professionals who compete on the US and European tours.

Woods belongs to Isleworth, as does his close friend and neighbour Mark O'Meara. Ernie Els, who will battle with Woods for the Dubai Desert Classic title at the Emirates course here this week, is on the roll at Lake Nona along with Nick Faldo, Sergio Garcia and top woman player Annika Sorenstam.

There has always been some friendly needle between the two camps. Now they will settle their differences on the course with eight-player sides competing in a Ryder Cupstyle competition.

"It's just a fun thing," said O'Meara, the former Open champion who will lead the Isleworth team.

Yet Woods refuses to become involved in such a frivolous diversion as the Tavistock Cup, named after the investment company that owns both clubs. That is because it takes place at Lake Nona on 29-30 March, one week before the US Masters.

Desperate to make amends for last year when he failed to win any of the four majors, Woods will concentrate instead on a strict practice regime prior to going to Augusta.

Having served notice of his return to form with victory in the World Match Play Championship in California on Sunday, the 28-year-old American insisted there was "zero chance" that he will appear in club colours.

Others are entering into the spirit of the match that will be played in front of television cameras but otherwise is such a private affair that members of the public won't be allowed to watch.

In the absence of Woods, O'Meara will lead a side comprising Stuart Appleby, Darren Clarke, John Cook, Scott Hoch, Lee Janzen, Charles Howell and Robert Allenby. O'Meara said: "It should be a good old battle because I know that we want to kick their butt and I know that they want to kick ours." Els confirmed: "This is for bragging rights in Orlando."

His team-mates are Faldo, Sorenstam, Garcia, Retief Goosen and Trevor Immelman, plus the British duo of Justin Rose and Ian Poulter who are having houses built close to the Lake Nona course.

To each of the winners goes £55,000, which is pocket money to these multi-millionaires.

O'Meara said: "There are no two clubs I can think of that have this kind of firepower. Anytime you can play in your own backyard against your friends, that's fun."

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