Tiger Woods refused to be drawn on questions regarding his schedule as he prepared to play his first competitive golf in over a month at the Turkish Airlines Open.
The world No 1’s last meaningful action came in the United States’ successful defence of the Presidents Cup at the start of October, since when the 14-time major winner has elected to collect a sizeable appearance fee for a challenge match with Rory McIlroy in China and make exhibition appearances in Singapore and Macau.
That left no room in Woods’ diary for the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai last week, an event co-sanctioned by the game’s major tours and one of four annual World Golf Championships.
“Independent contractor” was the 37-year-old’s blunt response when asked about his scheduling, before adding “that’s it” when pressed on the matter.
However, Woods insists his lack of competitive action will not be a hindrance at the Colin Montgomerie-designed Maxx Royal course this week.
“When I played against Rory, I was a little bit on the rusty side, because I really had not touched a club for a couple of weeks,” he said.
“After the Presidents Cup, I shut it down. I’ve been playing in Singapore and doing some exhibitions there, as well as in Macau, so I’ve been playing a little golf.
“The rust is starting to come off and I’m going to do a little bit of work today.”
Woods is making his second appearance in Antalya, having also featured in an unsanctioned matchplay event last year.
The tournament has enjoyed a lofty promotion this year, playing host to the third event of the European Tour’s inaugural final series and offering over £725,000 to the winner.
That could go a long way to determining who wins the Race to Dubai Woods is ineligible as he is only a member of the US PGA Tour with Justin Rose and Ian Poulter among those trying to close the gap on current leader Henrik Stenson.
The English pair, currently third and fourth in the standings, both have a chance to go top with a win in Antalya, and Rose would relish a battle with his friend at next week’s DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
The 33-year-old, who won the exhibition version of this event last year, described becoming European No 1 in 2007 as his greatest achievement prior to winning the US Open at Merion, but his Ryder Cup team-mate could hold the advantage ahead of the season finale due to a new rule introduced this term.
Poulter is eligible for a 20% bonus on all earnings from the final series, having lined up in the BMW Masters, WGC-HSBC Champions and this week, while Rose’s absence from the opening event in Shanghai will preclude him from such a boost.
With a shade over 200,000 euros (£168,000) between them, and Poulter already due to have over 130,000 euros (£109,000) added to his total through the bonus incentive, that could prove crucial.
Eight Scots are in the field Montgomerie, Richie Ramsay, Craig Lee, David Drysdale, Paul Lawrie, Marc Warren, Stephen Gallacher and Scott Jamieson.