Tiger proved on Sunday that’s he’s back and here to stay, getting his third major win of the year by winning his own tournament Sunday at Congressional Country Club. Woods had a few of his younger fans in the crowd wondering about his play during his warm up period, as he continuously missed several practice shots on Hole 2.
“You gotta hit harder!”, said one kid. “Look at the slope”, said another.
Whether or not the kids’ advice was taken to heart, or not, Tiger’s game was fierce as he won 13 under par and outplayed both Anthony Kim (who many thought would give Woods a run for his money), and the surprise player of the day, Hunter Mahan, who tied Woods at 62.
While Kim’s performance was good, and often excited the crowd, Kim closed with a one-over 71 and wound up third, three shots behind Mahan.
Tiger Mania Returns To The Area (Definitely)
“Tiger is fantastic! He’s number 1, the best in the world!”, said Larry Pauling, who attended the event.
“His focus is the key.”
Pauling likened Tiger’s focus to other top athletes like Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Muhammad Ali.
“He’s coming off a knee injury that might be still sore, but he’s not showing it. You can see him stretching it every once in a while, but he’s relaxed and he’s enjoying it. I think it’s one of his best tournaments this year”, added Pauling.
Texting During The Tournament
What did Tiger text?
While Tiger was busy winning his tournament at Congressional, he still had time to text his best friend, Roger Federer, who also won a major tournament on Sunday, Wimbledon.
“Good job, now it’s my turn”, is what Tiger told the media he text'd to Federer.
Tiger has eight top ten wins, three wins this year, and is just five wins shy of matching Jack Nicklaus’ total career wins.
Tiger, the Comedian?
Woods, proving that he’s not just all work and no play, gave fans something else to remember on the day after accepting the Congressional trophy during the closing ceremony.
“I’ve always wanted to do this so bear with me”, said Woods.
“So, Tiger, how’d you play today?”
“Well, it was a tough day. I got off to kind of a slow start. Hunter really put the pressure on us”, said Tiger as he pretended to interview himself with questions he likely thought reporters would ask him about his win on the day.
See the interview here.
A Word From Montgomery County Executive, Ike Leggett
“It was terrific. He won his tournament. His tournament happens right here in Montgomery County, and we’re delighted to have him", said Leggett.
”It’s been a tremendous impact to us all", said Leggett.
Leggett also added, “He’s a tremendous host. But more importantly, if you look at the generosity, and charities, and opportunities he’s created for young people, around the world, we’re very proud of him.”
A Word From Mystics Owner, Dr. Sheila Johnson
"It's another Tiger win. He did it with such grace, and focus, and we're very excited about it", Johnson said.
"I sit on Board of the Tiger Woods Foundation, and our main goal is to try and raise as much money as we possibly can for the Tiger Woods Learning Center in Washington, DC."
Noted
*Woods may be friends with tennis favorite, Roger Federer, but he admits he has not reached out to the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena. (Serena won Wimbledon 2009.)
*While major celebs and athletes, like Tiger, usually have a driver (not always, but usually) to get them from point A to point B, Tiger was seen leaving Congressional driving himself in his silver Buick-sponsored Enclave SUV.
What's next for the AT&T National?
The Tournament moves to Philadelphia next year as Congressional prepares its Blue Course for the 2011 US Open, and will return in 2012. Area fans, who attend the event in Philly, get in free just by showing their DC, MD, and VA driver's license.
Tiger Talks His Father
We asked Tiger what he remembered most about his father, Earl Woods (whom the tournament's Pro Am was named after).
"We always had a house of love. No matter what I tried, and whether I failed or not, I always came home to a house of love", said Woods.
It's a wrap.
The AT&T National: An exciting week of golf, blessed by wonderful weather from the weather gods, hosted by the greatest golfer in the world, that helps children better themselves. (That's my very own take on the day.)
For more info visit www.tigerwoodsfoundation.org, and attnational.org.
One last thing.
Comcast Sports Ivan Carter talks to one of the remaining Tuskegee Airman, Mr. Ezra Hill, on how he met Tiger's mom. Awesome interview!
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