Who? Tiger? He'll Take Manhattan.

By George Burnette
A lot of golf fans are suffering from the post-PGA Championship doldrums and as a result are poo-pooing the Barclay’s event. I was just browsing through some pics of practice round action and the field looks surprisingly strong.

Tiger couldn’t care less about FedEx Cups and points (he made sure to win the inaugural one to get that title out of the way once and for all), but the other pros do. In fact the tour had to come up with something like the FedEx Cup so that interest in golf wouldn’t wane after the year’s final major.

Now that Westchester Country Club’s BUICK Classic has been retired, the Barclay’s event gives the pros a chance to play in metro NYC in decent weather and without the pressure of a major at Bethpage or Winged Foot.

I’m sure most of the field heads straight into the city after their daily practice-play-practice regimen. And I imagine also that most tour wives accompany their husbands to this event if for no other reason than to take a bite out of the Big Apple.

Although most folks wouldn’t want to live there, it’s still a really, really nice place to visit.

What's Tiger's Motivation?

Once again, Ladies and Gents, for your reading and debating pleasures, another guest post from the incisive mind of golf curmudgeon George Burnette...
Tiger’s teeing it up this week in what was formerly known as “The World Series of Golf” (it is now the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational).

Here are some interesting facts about this grand ole throwback of a golf tourney:

It has been played annually since the early 60’s.

It has always been a very selective, season-ending, invitational tournament.

It has always been held at Firestone Country Club in Lebron James’ hometown of Akron, Ohio.

Back before the PGA Tour went ‘international’, it was the only tour event, other than the four majors, that had a truly international field.

The South Course at Firestone Country Club is a true test of golf. It will be set up like a major with thick rough, narrowly cut fairways and slick greens. It is a long and difficult Robert Trent Jones design (as is Hazeltine National, consequently, which is hosting next week’s PGA Championship).

Now here’s the kicker; during it’s heyday, the winner of this tourney got a 10-year exemption on the PGA Tour. So the stakes were ridiculous and the field played like it.

Here’s something to ponder with regard to Tiger’s presence in the tournament this week. We all know Tiger traditionally takes the week off before a major. So what's Tiger's motivation for bucking his tradition this time and not taking the week off before this major?

Is it Akron’s scintillating nightlife?

Is it an appearance fee?

Is it Fed Ex Cup Points?

Another World Golf Championship title, perhaps?

Or just excellent preparation for next week’s PGA Championship?

Who knows, but hopefully some reporter will ask?


Photo: flickr.com