Who says Tiger doesn't commit early?

Australian newspaper the Herald Sun is reporting in tomorrow's edition that Tiger Woods will play in the Australian Masters (an IMG-owned event) in November, for which he will receive a $3 million appearance fee.

The paper also is reporting that half his appearance fee will be covered by taxpayers.

"We are delighted Tiger Woods has chosen to come to Melbourne, further cementing our position as the major events capital of the world," John Brumby, premier of Victoria, told the paper. Brumby predicts that Woods' presence would result in an economic boost to the state that would far surpass the taxpayers' outlay.

It seems unlikely, however, that Brumby will be able to sell that point to his constituents. The Herald Sun, in fact, is conducting an online poll that asks: Are you happy that taxpayers' money has been used to lure Tiger Woods to Melbourne? Early returns aren't favorable, with 77 percent voting no.

-- John Strege