Tiger Woods becomes the first golfer to hit balls from Asia to Europe off the Bosphorus Bridge

Tiger Woods drives from Asia to Europe (Getty Images)

Tiger Woods achieved another first in his long and illustrious career while in the Turkish city of Istanbul last week, becoming the first golfer to hit balls from east to west off the Bosphorus Bridge.

Woods, one of the most recognisable athletes on the planet, struck several shots from the iconic structure that connects Asia and Europe in front of international and local media.

“To be the first golfer to do this was very cool,” said the 14-time major championship winner and world number one, who was launching Turkey’s first ever European Tour event, the US $7million Turkish Airlines Open by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, where he tied for third on 20 under par.

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

The 1,510-metre, gravity-anchored suspension bridge was closed on one side for 20 minutes last Tuesday while Woods played his shots. It is one of the most distinguishable landmarks in Istanbul, a vibrant city renowned for its rich history.

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

Ömer Çelik, of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, said: “It was an honour to welcome Tiger to Istanbul. It demonstrates Turkey’s ability to attract and host the biggest names in world sport and we are certain he will enjoy his week.”

The Turkish Airlines Open by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism forms part of the European Tour’s inaugural Final Series and was the penultimate event on the 2013 Race to Dubai. Featuring 78 of the game’s best players, it got under way at the Montgomerie Maxx Royal in Belek, Antalya, and was won by Frenchman Victor Dubuisson.