Mr. Fairway attended the AT&T National media day at Congressional Country Club on May 29. Tiger Woods, recovering from a bout with strep throat, held a news conference. Here are some random highlights:
Tiger was unequivocal in his desire that his tournament continue to be played at Congressional after its inaugural two-year run. However, the club is committed to hosting the U.S. Amateur in 2009 and the U.S. Open in 2011 so his event will certainly have to be played elsewhere those two years. Asked if he would consider having the tournament at the soon-to-be remodeled TPC Avenel course down the road, Tiger said he would but quickly added that Congressional is the most desirable venue because of its history and because it is a classic course that the pros love. The betting here is that it will not be back at Congressional.
Tiger will play in the AT&T National if possible. His expectant wife will be home in Florida. He drew laughs when asked what he would do if he got the word on the 18th hole of the final round. “Well, I’ll have to play real quick won’t I?” he said. “Real quick. A three will win.”
Tiger acknowledged that many top players, including Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els, will not play in the tournament. He said his is recruiting other players including Jim Furyk, Darren Clarke, Charles Howell III, but added that many players already have set schedules in place that they can’t change. Adam Scott, Davis Love, Steve Stricker, Fred Funk and Stuart Appleby also will play. Vijay Singh has not decided yet, Woods said.
He is receiving suggestions for baby names and people have not been shy about sharing their experiences with childbirth. “Everyone has stories,” he said, “sometimes a little more grotesque than I prefer.”
He has no political ambitions. Someone asked if he was interested in running for president, he replied, “Hell no. No. No. No. No. No. Next.”
Tiger believes that three-four hours of sleep a night are plenty.
Is it fair to win your own tournament? “Yes. Always.”
Hitting range balls while wondering whatever happened to Ken Venturi.
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
All golf all the time with reflections on the game of golf including the PGA Tour, the USGA, golf on television, golf equipment and more.
About Me
- Mr. Fairway
- Mr. Fairway’s love affair with the game of golf began in junior high. He once made his living as a journalist covering high school sports, cops and robbers and politics. Today, Mr. Fairway is a public relations consultant and a widely-published freelance golf writer. His current USGA handicap index is 9.3 and he averages 50-plus rounds a year.