So Congressional Country Club wants out of the Tiger Woods business?
If the honchos at Congressional still feel that way after Sunday, there’s nothing else Woods can do. The final round saw the superstar golfer and the elegant course come together in a perfect union, both bringing out the best in each other. Woods’ victory was the best possible scenario for the AT&T National, which finally may be getting some traction, and for Congressional, which had its reputation as one of the great American courses restored.
Like Augusta National, the Blue Course at Congressional rewards long-hitting greatness. Few tracks have a list of champions as impressive. Greg Norman (twice), Craig Stadler (twice), Rory McIlroy, Fred Couples, Ernie Els, Tom Weiskopf, Sergio Garcia and Woods (twice) have won here.
“It’s a fantastic venue,” Woods said. “It’s a big ballpark.”
And after a bizarre Saturday in which fans were barred from the course, Congressional provided a grand showcase for the world’s greatest player.
The scene at No. 6, with bikini-clad girls yelling at Tiger from a backyard swimming pool and fans perched on hillsides overlooking the green, was unforgettable. After he made a birdie putt at No. 9 to take the lead, the reception Woods received as he approached the tee at No. 10, overlooked by the clubhouse, was rock-star like. When Woods came down the fairway at No. 18 and into view of fans on a vast hill overlooking the green, the wave-like ovation was startling.
On a third straight day of oppressive heat Sunday, 48,611 fans came to Congressional, the highest single-day attendance in event history. How many do you think would have been there if it was Brendon de Jonge and Bo Van Pelt battling for the title?
After the D.C. area lost its PGA Tour stop in 2006, Woods brought his tournament here. In four years, the event has created much more buzz than its predecessor. Let’s hope Congressional recognizes the benefits of hosting Woods for as long as he wants to stay there. As Sunday proved again, their association is mutually beneficial.
– Kevin Dunleavy
