Sometimes, life is good. And from July 5-8, the Tiger Tour will make life great for golf fans.
The newly-created AT&T National comes to Congressional Country Club (likely) in Bethesda with a $6 million purse attracting the best golfers beyond tournament host Tiger Woods. Unlike the beleaguered Booz Allen Classic that was often won by some unknown in a field filled with pretenders, the National will be the closest thing to a grand slam event this side of Augusta.
It doesn’t get better than this. Certainly, it’s the best regional golf tournament since the 2000 Presidents Cup and the 1997 U.S. Open, Woods’ last local appearance.
And let’s go one better. Woods may open another youth learning center like his Anaheim, Calif., facility that helped 5,000 children last year. Nothing like charity at home.
Woods greeted an overflowing National Press Club crowd on Wednesday with the aura of celebrities known by one name. Oprah, Madonna, Prince … they’re the gold standard of attention. Tiger is right there with them.
Greeting six children before the press conference, Woods demonstrated the essence of class more professional athletes should emulate. While camera shutters clicked away like cicadas, Woods seemed sincere in providing a moment those kids will long remember. Mayor Adrian Fenty didn’t even get that much time with Woods as a mob engulfed the latter when leaving.
Woods has always wanted his own tournament. Now he can make a few rules. Like all military personnel and children under age 12 gain free admission. Golf for the masses; not just the elite. You gotta love that.
“This is a dream come true,” he said.
Actually, it’s a dream come true for fans that supported a mediocre tournament for 21 years. Woods brings an NBA All-Star game of sorts that promises more economic impact than its predecessors. Plenty of tourists will stay over from the July 4 festivities to see Woods for a round or two.
Of course, there’s always an if. Woods’ wife is expecting their first child in July and fatherhood trumps all else, as it should. But somehow, I expect Woods will be there.
Many of us will be there just like non-baseball fans will watch home run king wannabe Barry Bonds play the Nationals this summer. Woods draws those who don’t know a five iron from a five speed.
It may be hot, crowded and overpriced, but you’ll get four chances to watch a legend annually for the next decade or two. You can’t beat that.
Yes, sometimes life is good.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
