If you’ve ever attended an event and spent the whole day just enjoying yourself, you'd know what Friday’s experience at Congressional Country Club for Round 2 of the Tiger Woods’ AT&T National was like. Aside from the near, if not perfect weather on Friday (a sunny, 78 degrees), just seeing the hordes of people (increasing as the tournament days continue) who love golf get together for the tournament's third year with its returning star golfer, Tiger Woods continuing as host, was a day made in summertime perfection. (Or somewhere close to it).
Returning to Congressional after missing last year, Tiger took the lead today, coming on the heels of a solid performance from up and coming golfer, Anthony Kim, who on Thursday, shot an 8-under par 62, setting a record on Congressional’s Blue Course.
On Thursday Tiger shot a 64, as did, Bryce Molder . Jim Furyk shot a 66.
On Friday, Tiger shot a 66 to become tournament leader.
“It would be great to win a tournament that I host”, Tiger told the media earlier this week.
Earlier today, Vijay Singh holed out from 14 yards from the primary rough on hole 14 for a birdie.
A Star-Studded Tournament
Among the many athletes and celebs making this year’s tournament a success included Dallas Cowboy QB Tony Romo, pop singer Jessica Simpson (who sang the National Anthem at the opening of the Earl Woods Pro Am), and the Washington Capitals’ head coach, Bruce Broudeau.
Among the list of invitees were Redskins’ Antwaan Randle El and returning quarterback, Jason Campbell (who tells us he’s been playing golf about ten times a year, for the last two years).
Campbell shared that he’s impressed with coach Bruce Broudeau’s golfing skills.
“Coach is an excellent golfer. I told him he looks like he’s been taking lessons, or something, because he can play.”
Honoring U.S. Service Men and Women
The AT&T National also honors the service men and women in the military. During the ceremonial opening of the Pro Am tour, Tiger tee’d off with several of the area’s military personnel.
We caught up with US Navy serviceman John Wynn, stationed at Anacostia’s Naval Station who told us, “I think it’s a great honor for him (Tiger) to recognize all that we do. It’s not always easy work, so for him to pay tribute to us, I think it’s great.”
Kids and the Tiger
As you might expect, the kids love Tiger. Thoughts from the kids we spoke to about Tiger varied as they told us they think he’s “the greatest golfer in the world”.
Thoughts on seeing Woods for the first time in person were just as varied.
“I think it’s a good time for me to see him, because last year we came came during the summer and I didn’t get a chance to see him because his knee was messed up”, said twelve year-old Virgil Beckwith, who attended along with his aunt and friend, TreVaughn.
Other kids spent the week trying to get autographs of their favorite celebrity.
Ten year-old Quentin had just finished getting Campbell’s autograph on his shirt when he told us was on his way to try to get a signature from Tony Romo.
“I’ve got to get Tony Romo’s signature along with the others, he said.
What’s It All About?
The AT&T tournament serves a fund raiser for the Tiger Woods Foundation, the organization that not only teaches the art of golf, but has reached over 10 million young people through character development, career exploration, scholarships and grant making programs.
The Tiger Woods Learning Center (Anaheim, CA), a youth-education facility, and Tiger’s Action Plan, (based on a book by Tiger’s father, Earl D. Woods, titled Start Something) is a free program for youth 8-17 that addresses not only character development and career exploration, but volunteer service.
While the DC area has already benefited from nearly $500,000 in grants to local youth services organizations like Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund (ending this year), Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services Inc. in Alexandria, and Our Military Kids Inc. in McLean, VA by the Tiger Wood’s Foundation, Tiger admits that the present economic recession has put a damper on charitable donations this year.
“We’re not immune to it”, said Woods.
Depsite that news plans are in the works for a Tiger Wood’s Learning Center here in the DC area to compliment the center’s West coast facility. The Fort Dupont area of DC’s Ward 7 area is one area being considered.
Celebrate Your 4th of July With Tiger
The tournament continues through the July 4th holiday weekend, ending July 5th with the world’s top leaders in golf to include this year’s U.S. Open winner, Lucas Glover; along with Mike Wier , Jim Furyk, and others.
Get the kids and head on over. Tickets range from $25 and kids under 12 are admitted free, and you can watch the 4th of July fireworks on the beautiful grounds of the Congressional Country Club.
Tournament Plans
The tournament returns to our area in 2012 as the tournament makes it way to New Jersey while the Congressional prepares its blue course for the 2011 U.S. Open at its Bethesda location.
“We’ve contracted from 2012-2014, and we’ll be here as long as Congressional will have us”, said PGA's tour director.
Related
ATT National Players
Leaderboard Scoring
Round 3 Tee Times (Remaining Players)
Photos from Second Round action.
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