What can Tiger Woods do for an encore? Having taken a stranglehold on the game in 2000 - winning three majors, two WGC events and almost $10 million in prize money - the world number one makes his seasonal debut in the elite-field Mercedes Championship in Hawaii, starting today.

Of last year's tournament winners, only Darren Clarke, who is taking time out for family reasons, is missing. Otherwise, the cream of the US Tour - Ernie Els, David Duval, Phil Mickelson et al - are again the challengers. But, as a nine-time tournament winner last season, is Woods afraid of anyone in the 33-man field?

"I'd imagine, if it were me," said Tom Lehman, "and I were as talented as Tiger and as confident as him, knowing who I am and what I'm capable of, I wouldn't be feeling any pressure."

Woods arrived in Hawaii on Tuesday and played a late-evening practice round on the Kapalua plantation course in the company of Duval. He was also sporting a new hair cut, having dyed it blonde over the holiday period and subsequently getting it closely shaved.

This year the winner's prize from the $3.2 million purse is $576,000, plus the bonus of a Mercedes SL500.

World-wide sales of golf equipment on the Internet are expected to double this year. And with a view to claiming a share in this growth, McGuirks Golf have become the first Irish company to offer on-line selling.

It means that golfers living in the Republic of Ireland but outside the Dublin area can now have products delivered to their door within 72 hours, with free delivery of goods valued at more than £100.

Visit www.mcguirksgolf.com