by PHILIP SPOONER

Tiger Woods is slated to fly in and big bucks will be coming as well.

Barbados will be graced by the presence of Woods, the world's greatest golfer, as the island stages the World Championship Of Golf Barbados World Cup December 4-10.

The global team tournament at the Country Club Course, Sandy Lane, St James, is expected to pump US$243 million in income, publicity and exposure into the island's economy, revealed Minister of Tourism Noel Lynch at a media breakfast at Sandy Lane yesterday.

The windfall surrounding the tournament is expected to come as over 5 000 high-end visitors, most from the United States, are expected for the event.

The names of the players on the 24 teams participating will be officially unveiled in London tomorrow afternoon, but the DAILY NATION found out yesterday that Woods had decided to participate. It was not sure who his partner would be for the two-member team event.

The ace player is in Ireland preparing to represent the United States against Europe in the Ryder Cup which starts tomorrow. Efforts to contact his handlers to confirm his participation in the Barbados World Cup were unsuccessful.

Tournament co-ordinator Claire Jordan expressed hope that Woods would make the trip.

She indicated that several world-ranked players, including Colin Montgomerie of Scotland, Padraig Harrington of Ireland, Stephen Ames of Trinidad and Tobago, and defending champs Stephen Dodd and Bradley Dredge of Wales would be coming.

The Professional Golf Association is owner of the event which will be televised for ten hours on the ABC network and for a similar time on ESPN.

Noting that it "will provide valuable television exposure", Lynch said the exposure would not only be across mainland United States, but also on Sky Sports in Europe and Zee TV in Asia, reaching more than 140 countries.

The Barbados Tourism Authority is a part sponsor of the event which has been getting exposure at major golf tournaments.

Several businesses dealing with event planning and event management, providing temporary facilities, tour operators and taxis, are expected to benefit.