MIYAZAKI -- Some of the biggest names in golf Tuesday got their first taste of the conditions they are likely to face ahead of the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament starting on Thursday in Miyazaki when they competed in a light-hearted, made-for-TV exhibition match.

News photoTiger Woods coaches a young player during a golf class in Miyazaki.

After winning a six-hole exhibition match, Tiger Woods walked away with the first prize of 5 million yen and the admiration of the large crowd, while Sergio Garcia, David Duval, South Korean K.J. Choi and Japan's Shingo Katayama all had to settle for a useful round of practice in perfect golf weather.

The players were awarded five points for eagle, three for birdie and one for par. Woods and Choi both finished with nine points. Duval was second with eight, while Garcia and Katayama were eliminated after the fifth hole.

In a playoff against Choi, Woods won the prize when his chip shot from the side of the green at the 15th hole landed 4 feet from the cup.

While the prize money is unlikely to make an impression on Woods' bank account, what will be of more significance to him was the opportunity to keep an eye on some of his main challengers for the Dunlop Phoenix title.

"I enjoyed my round today. This is a beautiful course and it was a great day to be playing golf," Woods said, revealing the uncompetitive nature of the exhibition match itself. The Tom Watson-designed course is not the same course that the main tournament will be held on, yet Woods admitted that it was nevertheless a good chance to dust off his clubs.

"I have never been here before, so I was happy to be able to play here today. I will have a look at the course (Phoenix Country Club) tomorrow and be ready for Thursday," he added.

Defending Dunlop Phoenix champion Duval struggled on the tight layout but played some good recovery shots to keep his score respectable.

"I'm looking forward to playing the course again after winning last year," Duval said, adding, "I love coming here as the Sheraton is a spectacular resort and I always receive first-class treatment."

Garcia, who also had trouble off the tees, appeared confident ahead of the tournament.

"I lost here in a playoff in 1999, so I am looking to put the record straight," said the popular Spaniard. "I had a good time today, even though I was hitting most of my shots out of trees."

Woods also had the opportunity to respond to an editorial that appeared in the New York Times that suggested that he boycott the 2003 Augusta National Masters in protest over the clubs' insistence on not admitting female members.

"I have already given my views on this subject matter many times and everyone is entitled to their own opinion," he said. "Women should be allowed to be members but that is not my decision. It is a decision for the members to make and although I am an honorary member, I am not an official member so it is not up to me."

The Dunlop Phoenix Tournament is Asia's No. 1 golf event with the largest purse (200 million yen) on the Japan PGA Tour.