Dubai: World No 1 Tiger Woods has brushed off questions surrounding security fears at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, which start later this week.
The 14-time Major winner’s girlfriend Lindsey Vonn, an Olympic gold medal-winning downhill skier, was due to defend her 2010 title at this year’s event but pulled out last month with a knee injury.
Controversy has already surrounded the run up to the games, with separatist groups in Russia threatening terrorist attacks during the event. In December, a double suicide bombing in nearby Volgograd killed 34 people.
But, asked if he was relieved 29-year-old Vonn wasn’t competing due to the security situation, Woods, 38 — who is three under par after the second round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club — played it safe.
“No, I’m relieved she’s not competing because of the situation in her knee,” he said. “It was very unstable. She alluded to me that it was unstable just walking, so doing 80mph and doing a hard turn, I don’t think that’s really the wisest thing to do.”
