Sunny prospects for the 2009 AT&T National
Before Tiger Woods spoke Monday at Congressional Country Club, tournament director Greg McLaughlin rattled off names of players who have committed to the 2009 AT&T National.
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After saying K.J. Choi, Anthony Kim, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Paul Casey, and Danny Lee were in, McLaughlin added, “In a moment, we will introduce another person who will make another commitment.”
As Woods heard those words, his eyes widened and he peeked behind the dais to spy a mystery guest.
Whether it’s comedy or the golf swing, Woods’ timing is impeccable. That was the theme Monday as Woods breezed through Congressional on AT&T National Media Day before a trip to the White House to visit President Barack Obama.
While Woods keeps other tournaments guessing, right up to the deadline, the AT&T has no such concerns about its host.
“I want to officially announce I’m going to commit to the tournament,” said Woods, who missed last year’s event following June knee surgery. “I can’t wait to get out here and play. Just really looking forward to getting onto that Blue Course and hopefully win the tournament.”
A win by the 14-time major champion would be an appropriate going-away gift. After this year’s event, July 2-5, the tournament moves to Aronimink in suburban Philadelphia for two years while Congressional prepares for and then plays host to the 2011 U.S. Open.
By way of a narrow vote by Congressional members last summer, the AT&T returns to the renowned course on River Road in 2012 for a three-year run, with an option for three more years beyond that.
“We want to come back and play here as long as Congressional wants us,” said Woods. “This is such a great golf course, and such a special area, that of course you want to come back. It’s a very historic golf course and one that players love to play. If you have a great golf course, the players will come.”
Last year, when the players didn’t come (It was one of the weakest fields of the year on the PGA Tour) the AT&T National still was successful, turning a profit of $2 million, McLaughlin said Monday. This year in a down economy, the tour has felt the crunch. But Woods doesn’t sound concerned about his tournament.
“The financial climate — it makes things a little more interesting,” said Woods. “But we have got just a tremendous amount of support from the local area so far. I think it’s only going to get better as more guys commit, and hopefully we have a great weather week and people will come out.”
