Even a case of strep couldn’t dampen the mood of Tiger Woods Tuesday at Congressional Country Club as he talked of his upcoming AT&T National golf tournament.
Between long sips of water to clear his sore throat, Woods playfully answered questions aboutthe first annual event, which runs July 3-8 and will benefit the Tiger Woods Foundation.
With his wife, Elin Nordegren, due to have the couple’s first child in early July, the biggest question is: Will Woods play?
“My intention is to play, but my wife has something to say about that,” said Woods. “I want to play here. I love this golf course. Especially [being] the inaugural event, I want to be here.”
Then Woods was posed the question: What happens if you’re leading by a stroke on the 18th hole when you get the call from your wife?
“I’ll have to play quick,” said Woods. “Real quick.”
Woods’ status not withstanding, 120 of the world’s best players will convene here the first week of July. Among those who committed Tuesday were Jim Furyk, Davis Love III, Adam Scott and Darren Clarke. They join Charles Howell III and Stuart Appleby among those vying for the $1.08 million first prize.
Many more top players will commit, although Woods said that he doesn’t expect Phil Mickelson or Ernie Els to play. Woods’ longtime nemesis, Vijay Singh, is undecided, Woods said.
According to Woods, putting together a first-year tournament in a short time (event was conceived in February), has been a challenge.
“It’s hard. The Europeans are playing in their tournaments, getting ready for the British Open,” said Woods. “This tournament is only 84 days old, a lot of guys have already made up their schedules.”
The long-term future of the AT&T National remains unsure. Congressional has committed to only two years. Woods made it clear Tuesday that he wants to extend the agreement.
When asked what other Washington-area courses he would consider, Woods said, perhaps not jokingly, “Right here.”
PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem has said the tour plans to renovate the nearby TPC at Avenel.
“We’d always consider it,” said Woods. “But it’s hard to go anywhere else [but Congressional].”
Congressional changes
» The course will play as a par 70 for the tournament. Nos. 6 and 11, both par-fives for members, will be shortened and transformed into par-fours, as was the case for the 1997 U.S. Open.
» Congressional has closed its former No. 18, a par three, and has made it No. 10 with the tee box and green changing places.
» The famed No. 17 signature hole, which plays toward the clubhouse, has become No. 18.
