Only 13 of the top 50 to play Congressional
With Congressional undergoing renovation in preparation for the 2011 U.S. Open, this year’s AT&T National is one last chance for the world’s best players to take on the famed Blue Course.
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That would seem to be reason to draw a strong field for the third annual event. Instead, 37 of the world’s top 50 are staying home this week. The poor turnout continues a trend of decreased player interest in the Tiger Woods-hosted event. The tournament drew 22 of the world’s top 50 in its inaugural year, 2007, and 17 of the top 50 last July.
Where television ratings and attendance are concerned, any field that includes Woods is a good one. His presence alone guarantees financial success. But this year’s showing has to be a disappointment for him and tournament organizers.
“If Tiger puts his name to anything, it’s a success,” said Stuart Appleby of Australia last year. “I don’t know why you wouldn’t get more players here. You’ve got a quality golf course. We’re about to play here a few years from now as a major. The date looks good. Not sure.”
This year’s AT&T will include Paul Casey, Jim Furyk, Vijay Singh, U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover, and AT&T winners the last two years, Anthony Kim and K.J. Choi.
But that list is dwarfed by the missing — Sergio Garcia, Geoff Ogilvy, Kenny Perry, Padraig Harrington, Camilo Villegas, Rory McIlroy, Ernie Els, and Adam Scott. In addition, Phil Mickelson is staying home as wife Amy begins treatment for breast cancer.
Woods won’t arrive until today. But last year, when he missed the tournament, recovering from reconstructive surgery on his left knee, he addressed the issue.
“You have to understand, guys have their own playing schedule,” said Woods. “Some of the guys are over in Europe and they have time they want to spend with their family, and other guys want to play the event. So it all depends on everyone’s personal preference.”
Other invitational events, such as Jack Nicklaus’ Memorial and Arnold Palmer’s MasterCard, both won this year by Woods, drew 26 and 24 of the world’s top 50 respectively. But those tournaments have better dates on the golf calendar.
Coming two weeks after the U.S. Open, the scheduling of the AT&T isn’t as advantageous. The Travelers, played last weekend in Connecticut, also drew only 13 of the world’s top 50 players.
Attracting international players to any PGA Tour event in July is difficult. Most of the top Europeans returned home after the U.S. Open and will stay there through the British Open (July 16-19). Of the 16 Euros ranked in the world’s top 50, only Casey and Justin Rose are here this week. Despite winning past events at Congressional, international stars Garcia and Els have never played the AT&T.
Other players such as Mickelson, Scott and Justin Leonard participated in 2007, but have not returned. Some players that year were miffed at the condition of the bumpy greens at Congressional. But that problem was remedied last year.
“I don’t know the reasons why. It’s such a great venue and being here in D.C. is a great place to come and a lot to do here,” said Takoma Park native Fred Funk last year. “I don’t know how to answer that one.”
