Study: Woods boosting European golf economy by 5 percent

LONDON (AP) -This week's World Match Play Championship does not pay appearance fees, although it would be easy to justify payment to Tiger Woods based on a new report.

Tom Cannon, dean of business at the University of Buckingham, says in his research for tournament sponsor HSBC that Woods' presence in England and Ireland over the next three weeks will boost the golf economy by as much as 5 percent. Including press coverage, travel, sales of golf equipment and broadcast rights, Cannon estimated the total value on the core golf economy could be as high as ?252 million (US$320 million).

"The size and reach of the Tiger economy is remarkable," Cannon said. "Drawing these figures together gives an astonishing picture not only of the impact of a single, outstanding sportsman but of the growing power and influence of sport and sporting celebrity."

After the World Match Play, Woods will play the Ryder Cup next week in Ireland, then return to the London area for the American Express Championship.