That may be why Woods, who has won three previous tournaments in Thailand, the home country of his mother, is returning to the country to play a skins tournament on November 8. The skins tournament, which will also feature Paul Casey, Camilio Villegas, and Thongchai Jaidee, is among the events that will be celebrating the 60th year on the throne of King Bumibol Adulyadej.

The four will play for prize money totaling $300,000 at the Amata Spring Country Club in a city that is southeast of Bangkok.

Woods has had a tough year, with the breakup of his marriage after a massive public scandal and a dry spell on the links that has left him without a tournament victory. He was also a much-debated addition to the 2010 Ryder Cup Team, a team which recently lost to the Europeans, with Woods performing badly.

However, he is well regarded in Thailand, sparking “Tigermania” in his first appearance there, and is considered one of their own due to his Thai ancestry. He’s also had golf course success there, winning the 1997 Asian Honda Classic and the 1998 and 2000 Johnnie Walker Classics, with his victory in 2000 marking his last appearance in the country.

Mickelson will be joined by world #2 Steve Stricker, Lee Westwood, and Paul Casey. Ian Poulter, who won the years first WGC event is also entered. Poulter likes the course and is looking for another big victory.

The course will set up for the best players in the world. The Blue Monster will play at just over 7,200 yards for the week, and Stephen Ames holds the course record with a 61 in 2000. The Blue Monster features the toughest finishing hole on the PGA Tour. No lead is safe coming into 18, the hole yields many more bogeys and double bogeys than birdies.

Past winners here beside Mickelson include Mike Weir, Ernie Els, Geoff Ogilvy, and of course Tiger Woods. Tiger has not played a tournament in 2010 yet, and he is not entered in the CA Championship. Tiger has six previous victories in the CA Championship, and he will be missed by the fans, players, and officials at Doral. With Tiger not in the field, it’s wide open for anyone to win. Look for one or more of the under 25 year olds to break through and win this title and check out the prop bets for this event.

The favorite to win the championship this year is Steve Stricker. He is currently ranked No. 2 in the World Golf Championship rankings and #1 in the Power rankings. He is arguably the best golfer in the world without a major. He is facing stiff competition from both Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood.

Although Tiger Woods won’t participate in this tournament, there are still big names playing this year to draw excitement and the crowds. However, many analysts and experts say that there is a chance Tiger Woods might decide to play as he is still eligible to compete in the tournament.

With names like Phil Mickelson, Lee Westwood, and Paul Casey attending, this tournament is sure to be an outstanding one for any golf lovers. Golf tournaments are known for upsets and amazing come backs and this might not disappoint in that category.

Will he or won’t he is the question many are asking. If Tiger Woods plays, and that’s a big if he will be 4-1 odds.

There is a big group right behind Tiger that will go off at 8-1 odds. In this group will be Phil Mickelson, Kenny Perry, and the defending champ Angel Cabrera. Will Cabrera be able to find the magic this year, and can Kenny Perry get back into contention?

Going off at 12-1 odds will be Steve Stricker, Jim Furyk, and Geoff Ogilvy.

Maybe worth a shot at 20-1 odds, you can consider giving Chad Campbell, Stephen Ames, and Paul Casey a look. Longer odds fall with Anthony Kim, Padraig Harrington, and Henrik Stenson.

Still a couple months to go before all the greats tee it up at Augusta. One thing is for sure, everyone will be trying to spot a Tiger. If he isn’t there, it’s anyone’s guess who will be the favorite.