HispanicBusiness

Tiger Woods' long-awaited victory at the Chevron World Challenge has given rise to the growing belief that there will be some seismic showdowns on the world's greens and fairways next year.

The 14-time Major winner, 35, ended a barren run of over two years (107 weeks) and 26 tournaments without a win by defeating compatriot Zach Johnson by one shot at the weekend, thus finally breaking an increasingly-burdensome, career-record drought.

Woods' re-emergence comes at a time when -- for many -- the cream of the crop on the European Tour rule the roost and three of the most eminent golfers on that circuit have warmly welcomed the return to the fold of a modern-day icon.

Lee Westwood, the world number three, commented: "Tiger getting back into the winner's enclosure is great for golf.

"Everybody likes to see the best players in the world playing well and Tiger has been one of those and might well get back there.

"Beginning to play well again is the first start of that process and then you build over time.

"He's the biggest name in golf and probably one of the biggest names in world sports.

"So, when he's playing well, you have a lot of people interested in it and obviously it draws a lot of attention to the event. That's why HSBC want him there (for next month's Abu Dhabi Golf Championship), I would imagine."

The world number four, Martin Kaymer, said: "It's nice for him that he could win again. It's good for us. "He did a lot for the sport and the status that golf has in the world. We have to be very thankful for that and I think every player appreciates all of his help over these last few years.

"What's going to happen next year? Maybe we'll see it on Sunday afternoon in Abu Dhabi, if and when we face each other.cIt would be nice. I know the place. He doesn't, but it would be interesting. "I've played with him a few times in the past. It would be nice to play against the best player who ever played the game in his top form and see if you can beat him."

Rory McIlroy, the world number two, concurred with Kaymer's sentiments, adding: "You want to test yourself against the best in the game and, if I were to come up against Tiger on a Sunday, it would probably be the biggest challenge of my career.

"It's something that I would look forward to. It would be a huge challenge and a huge learning curve for me just to see how I would handle it.

"It's not something that I -- and a lot of players in my generation -- have experienced yet. It would just be great to have the opportunity to do it at some point next year."

He added: "It's great to see Tiger back and even the way he won was very impressive, birdieing the last two holes when he needed to.

"He finished very impressively on Sunday and that's something that stays with you -- that instinct and that will to win whenever you have to.

"He's done it so many times before and it looks like his game is really getting back in shape.

"You saw by his reaction as well on 18, how much that meant to him. It looks like next year is going to be an exciting one for golf, with a lot of players playing well.

"I'm just very happy to be involved in that group of players that are playing well and have a chance to go and win more tournaments and, hopefully, have a chance to win Majors as well."