TIGER Woods’ decision to defend his Australian Masters title in Melbourne is one that will prove to be a masterstroke for all involved.

While it will be almost a year at the time of the event in November since the dramatic revelations over a series of extra-marital affairs – it may in fact be a measuring stick on how influential those claims are on his life if he was not to regain the sparkling form he is renowned for.

Woods said on his website that he was “pleased” to return to defend the JBWere Masters in which he will join Sergio Garcia, Camilo Villegas and 2006 US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy for the November 11-14 tournament.

Won’t it be extra exciting to see the big names of golf prosper?

For Melbourne, it will be a further boon for its tourism ranks and will once again show that it is worthy to be called the sporting capital of the country.

But some non-sporting Victorians are angered by the state government for using tax-payers money to pay for half of his $3m fee to play in the event. Perhaps these people should realise the amount of benefits that come with Woods – a much-talked about public figure – and his appearance in Victoria. The tourism rate will be enormous. Last year it was estimated to be around $34m in which restaurants, hotels and tickets sales reaped for Woods’ appearance.

At Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club today – in which the Victorian PGA is held – the mood was enormous since the word flooded around the Greg Norman designed course.

Despite the rain, there has also been some extra keen golfers out on the greens according to the shop keepers. Perhaps, Woods is already having an impact – and he’s not even here yet.

Is Tiger coming to Melbourne good for golf and good for Victoria? Let us know your thoughts!