THE COST OF TIGER

AUSTRALIA'S three commercial free-to-air television networks have turned their back on the world's greatest sportsman Tiger Woods - saying he's too expensive.

Woods will play in the Australian Masters at Kingston Heath in Melbourne in November, but fans will have to settle for coverage on pay-TV, most likely Fox Sports. Golf officials and international management company IMG have been demanding a $3 million fee from the commercial networks - and all three say it's far too expensive.

Channel Nine boss David Gyngell told us: "There's no doubt Tiger is a superstar but they are trying to sell the deal to cover the tournament for the next three years. Tiger is only signed up for the first year. If we could have done a one-year deal it would be a different story.

"None of the stations have got the sort of money IMG are asking for. It would be good value with Tiger this November, but golf is hard work for advertising revenue.'' To continue reading click here