Tiger marks trip to Turkey with historic feat

Tiger Woods has accomplished much in his career, but he added something new on Tuesday, becoming the first player to hit golf balls from Asia to Europe on the iconic Bosphorus Bridge that connects east and west.

“To be the first golfer to do this was very cool,” said Woods, who is competing this week in the European Tour’s inaugural $7 million Turkish Airlines Open presented by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

One side of the bridge — which is one of the most prominent landmarks in Istanbul, Turkey — was closed for 20 minutes while Tiger hit several shots in front of local and international media.

“I have really enjoyed my visit,” Woods said. “To see Bosphorus for the first time was a very enjoyable and memorable experience.”

The bridge is located between the Asian shore of Beylerbeyi and the European neighborhood of Ortaköy.

“We are delighted Tiger took part in this historical event,” said Ahmet Ali Ağaoğlu, president of the Turkish Golf Federation. “The presence of arguably golf’s greatest-ever player in Turkey is wonderful for the profile of the game in the country.”

The top-ranked Tiger won five times on the PGA TOUR this year and was selected Player of the Year by his peers for the 11th time in his career. He heads a field of 78 players this week in the third event of the European Tour’s Final Series, which culminates next week in the Dubai World Challenge. There is no cut.

First-round play begins Thursday at The Montgomerie Maxx Royal Golf Club in Belek, Antalya. Designed by European Tour standout Colin Montgomerie, the par-72 layout meanders through pine forests and sandy ridges and features eight lakes.

Tiger will play the opening round with points leader Henrik Stenson and Justin Rose. The trio tees off at 11:05 a.m. local/4:05 a.m. ET on Thursday.