Tiger Woods says he never rented a moving truck in Sacramento. He says he never put $100 down on a used luxury car.

And golf’s best player says he never gave Anthony Lemar Taylor, 29, of Sacramento permission to charge $17,000 on his credit cards.

Woods was the opening witness Monday in the identity theft trial against Taylor. Prosecutors charged Taylor with six counts of felony identity theft and perjury.

Taylor used Woods’ real name--Eldrick T. Woods--and social security number to apply for credit cards, said James Lewis, a spokesman for the sheriff’s office.


Deputy District Attorney Nicolle Liem said Taylor obtained a fake drivers license in Woods’ name.

Defense attorney James Greiner said it was impossible that store clerks would believe his client was one of the most recognizable athletes in the world.

“Does he just walk into Circuit City? What they’re saying is Anthony Taylor, my client, walks in and says, ‘Hey, I’m Eldrick Tiger Woods,’ ” Greiner said.