DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- Tiger Woods pulled out of
next week's Dubai Desert Classic, which has lost several players
concerned about a possible war in Iraq.
The tournament announced his withdrawal Sunday, just as Woods
was teeing off against David Toms for the final of the Match Play
Championship in Carlsbad, Calif.
''It's just not a safe environment over there right now,'' Woods
said after his 2-and-1 victory, his second win in three starts
since knee surgery. ''I don't think it would be wise for me to go
over there at this particular time. If it's safe next year, I'll
go, because I want to go back.''
Colin Montgomerie and Nick Faldo also are among those opting to
stay away from the event, although defending champion Ernie Els
announced Friday that he would participate.
Mark O'Meara, Woods' neighbor and best friend on tour, plans to
play, as does Darren Clarke, while Paul McGinley already is in
Dubai.
Woods was to have received an appearance fee worth more than $2
million to play in Dubai, where he was the runner-up in 2001.
''Losing Tiger from this week's lineup will be disappointing to
his many fans in this part of the world, but we reluctantly have to
respect his decision not to compete,'' said Mohamed Ali Alabbar,
vice chairman of the tournament.
Woods declined to speculate about his other overseas plans, such
as the Deutsche Bank-SAP Open in Germany in May, although he said
he would play the British Open in England.
''If I can walk, if I can play golf, I'll be there,'' he said.
Woods said his high profile presented him with a different set
of circumstances than other top players, particularly in a region
so close to Iraq. ''You have to be honest about it,'' he said.
One player Woods' decision affects is O'Meara, who usually
travels on what he calls ''TWA'' -- Tiger Woods Airline, referring
to his private jet.
''He's not too happy about that,'' Woods said.
O'Meara will get an appearance fee of about $200,000 for playing
in the tournament.