TIGER GOING TO OZ!

Tiger Woods is coming to Melbourne in a $3 million deal - with Victorian taxpayers chipping in for half the bill.

The world's No.1 golfer will play in the Australian Masters at Kingston Heath in November.

Premier John Brumby confirmed the coup, which will infuriate a New South Wales Government that is desperately trying to dethrone Melbourne as the nation's sporting capital.

"We are delighted Tiger Woods has chosen to come to Melbourne, further cementing our position as the major events capital of the world," he said.

Mr Brumby said the Woods visit would generate $19 million in economic benefits to the state, easily covering the $3 million appearance fee.

The price tag - Woods' standard non-US fee - is about 10 times greater than the tournament's first prize of $270,000. To read more click here