World No 1 golfer Tiger Woods on maiden visit to India to play exhibition match

NEW DELHI: A veil of secrecy surrounds the first visit of Tiger Woods in India even as the prestigious Delhi Golf Club on Monday geared up to host the world number one golfer who is set to play a lucrative exhibition round, here on Tuesday.

Woods’ maiden sojourn in the country has been kept shrouded in secrecy and out of bounds for the public as well the media. Nosey newsmen have been kept at bay and they will not be entertained for the entire visit -- whether it is for the round of golf with a select gathering, or the day-time clinic or the dinner, to be hosted by Hero MotoCorp CEO and Managing Director Pawan Munjal.

Even the invitees, who are required to bring their cards, have been requested not to ask for autographs or photographs from Woods. The club members have also been asked to bring their membership cards.

Woods, who has been a long-time friend of top Indian golfer Arjun Atwal has been brought to India on a one-day private visit by Munjal, who has sent personal invitations to a select group of golf lovers.

Woods arrived late this evening on his personal jet, wearing a white crew neck tee and carrying a backpack and he was accompanied by his manager Mark Steinberg, wearing an open shirt over his dark coloured crew neck tee.

Woods is said to be staying at Maurya Hotel in the Presidential Suite, which has often been used by heads of states, including Bill Clinton and Barrack Obama.

At the DGC, preparations have been going on in full swing since yesterday as the organisers left no stones unturned to roll out a red carpet welcome to the 14-time Major champion, who will be indulging in a round of golf, where apart from himself and Munjal, the other partners will be changing every couple of holes.