Tiger Woods admitted that he was surprised to see such a large amount of the top players competing in this year's World Challenge.
Tiger Woods: Pleasantly surprised
With the new PGA Tour season starting in October already, the world number one didn't expect such a large turnout for the holiday tournament he hosts annually in California.
"It's our deepest and strongest field that we've had, possibly ever," Woods told the PGA Tour's official website earlier this week.
Although the sponsor's exemptions for the December 5-8 tournament hasn't been announced yet, defending champion Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter are all expected to compete.
Four-time major winner Ernie Els is playing in his first World Challenge, while Australian Jason Day is also returning to event.
Besides the world's best player himself, the field will be boosted by Americans Brandt Snedeker, Zach Johnson, Bubba Watson, Jim Furyk, Keegan Bradley, Steve Stricker Jason Dufner, Matt Kuchar, and Hunter Mahan.
"I think we're all very surprised that we've got as many international players playing this year," Woods added.
"The American players have supported our event throughout the years. Obviously, it's easier travel if you're based in the States. The guys who are playing in the Race to Dubai, it's a bit more of a challenge to get them to play. But for some reason, this year we've had guys wanting to play and we have probably the best field we've had.
"I think word has spread.
"We've always treated players well there. They've had a great time. It's close enough to the following year where some of the guys want to try and experiment with a few things equipment-wise, club deal. They want to get a tournament in before they play Kapalua, the Hawaiian Open. Some of the guys have done that in the past.
"Otherwise, we've had great American support.
"But it's pretty incredible to get the international support we've gotten this year."
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