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