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Tiger Rallies to Victory at AT&T National

Jeff Greenwell — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 01:13:37 +0000

Tiger Woods wasn’t exactly the greatest host at the AT&T National, rallying to overtake Hunter Mahan to win his own tournament by one stroke. The day started out with Woods and Anthony Kim tied after 54 holes, but the 24 year old Kim faltered early, dropping four shots in four holes on the front nine, and finished the day with a 71. His 9-under left him four strokes back of Woods, alone in third place.

Tiger Woods wins the AT&T National. (Image: Zuma Press)

Woods’ main challenge on this day came from Hunter Mahan, who finished the day tied for the lead after a birdie on the 18th. Mahan’s round of 62 tied the course record set Thursday by Kim, and he had to wait over an hour to see if Woods would overtake him. It took a while, but finally on the 16th, Woods nailed a 20 foot birdie putt to take sole possession of the lead, and two routine pars later, Tiger was champ.

With Woods acting as host, the AT&T National used the 4th of July backdrop to honor and celebrate the courageous men and women serving in the Armed Forces. The memory of Earl Woods, Tiger’s father, weighed heavily on his mind throughout the weekend, as Earl was a distinguished member of the Armed Forces for 20 years, including two full tours of duty in Vietnam.

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Tiger Rallies to Victory at AT&T National

Woods, Kim Share Lead at AT&T National

Jeff Greenwell — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:13:47 +0000

The stage is set for a great Sunday finish at the AT&T National, as Tiger Woods and Anthony Kim sit atop a very crowded leaderboard at 10-under after third round action. The pair are going to be challenged on the final day though, as Cameron Beckman and Michael Allen stand one stroke back at 9-under, and Jim Furyk and Rod Pampling are two strokes behind Woods and Kim at 8-under. U.S. Open champ Lucas Glover shot a 2-under 68 for the round and finds himself three strokes behind the leaders, still within striking distance.

Image: Zuma Press

Woods began the day one stroke ahead of Pampling, a lead he promptly gave up on the first hole after a horrific drive into the gallery left him in deep rough. A bogey on the first hole was a precursor to an up and down day for the tournament host, but Woods managed to get back to even par for the day, and a share of the lead.

Kim, the player many thought would be challenging Woods at most tournaments, overcame a brutal three-putt on the 9th hole to shoot 2-under for the day. This will be the first time Kim has been paired with Woods in any round of any tournament.

With four players within two shots of the leaders, Woods should have a difficult time holding off challengers, as well as co-leader and last year’s winner Kim, if he is to continue his impressive five year streak of victories when having at least a share of the lead after 36 holes.

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Woods, Kim Share Lead at AT&T National

Woods Takes Over Lead at AT&T National

Jeff Greenwell — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:10:43 +0000

It looks like Tiger Woods meant it when he said that he wanted to be a “greedy host” at the AT&T National. Woods followed up his opening round 64 with an impressive 4-under 66 to leave him at 10-under for the tournament. His 36 hole score sets a new Congressional scoring record, besting the previous record of 9-under held by Tom Pernice Jr. and Jeff Overton.

Tiger Woods leads the field at the AT&T National. (Image: Zuma Press)

First round leader Anthony Kim couldn’t capitalize on his terrific opening round 62, falling behind Woods by two strokes after shooting a round of even par for the day. Former U.S. Open winner Jim Furyk is lurking in the weeds after scores of 66 and 67 for the first two days. He finds himself at 7-under for the tourney, three strokes back of Tiger. Unfortunately for Kim, Furyk, and Rod Pampling, who sits in second at 9-under, they face a daunting task if they plan on overtaking Woods and claim victory on Sunday. Tiger’s record when leading, or sharing the lead after 36 holes in a tournament is a staggering 31-6, and he has won the last eleven times from said position, dating back to the 2004 Byron Nelson Championship.

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Woods Takes Over Lead at AT&T National

Kim Returns to Form at AT&T National

Jeff Greenwell — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:07:53 +0000

After winning last year’s AT&T National, the expectations for young and talented Anthony Kim were through the roof. But instead of tour victories and prize money, Kim has had to endure poor play, nagging injuries, and self doubt. It seems though that the cure for Kim’s ills is to play at the Congressional, after setting a course record 8-under 62 today to sit atop the leaderboard at this year’s AT&T National. Ignoring doctor’s advice not to play for the next 4-6 weeks because of a left thumb injury, Kim came out firing on all cylinders, knocking down 8 birdies in the final 13 holes to grab a two stroke lead over a group of three players that includes tournament host Tiger Woods.

Anthony Kim holds a two shot lead at the AT&T National. (Image: Zuma Press)

Before Woods had even teed off, he saw that Kim was in the clubhouse with his 62. Knowing he had to play well to stay close, Tiger did just that, only missing two fairways and three greens on his way to a 6-under 64, equalled by D.A. Points and Bryce Molder. Former PGA champion Steve Elkington sits three strokes back at 5-under.

Coming into the tournament, Kim had rededicated himself to diet and fitness in order to regain his health and strength, and the once self-described “lazy” player has spent extra time on the driving range at the Congressional working on his mechanics. Judging by his lights-out first round, all the extra work seems to be paying off.

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Kim Returns to Form at AT&T National

Woods, Romo Play AT&T National Pro-Am

Jeff Greenwell — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:55:46 +0000

You can never say Tony Romo suffers from lack of confidence. The Dallas Cowboys quarterback did something most amateur golfers would never dare do–play Tiger Woods for money. Then again, most amateurs aren’t one-handicappers, and if they are, most assuredly they don’t have the lovely Jessica Simpson cheering them on. Playing in the pro-am the day before the AT&T National begins, the tournament Woods is hosting, Romo held his own against Tiger (although Tiger did spot Romo two strokes), but in the end Tiger prevailed, leaving Romo’s wallet a bit lighter. Many other pro athletes attended the event, including Washington Redskins players Jason Campbell Antwaan Randle El, and Washington Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau, who paired up with PGA pro Mike Weir.

Tiger Woods (Image: Zuma Press)

But like most other tournament he enters, the media focus is squarely on Woods. Always the cordial host, Tiger hopes that the 120 man field has a great week, but he wants to be the last one standing come Sunday. Always on his mind though is Jack Nicklaus, and his record 18 majors. Woods finished sixth at both the Masters and U.S. Open, but is looking for better results at Turnberry in two weeks time.

Other notables playing this weekend at the Congressional Country Club include U.S. Open champ Lucas Glover, Jim Furyk and Vijay Singh.

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Woods, Romo Play AT&T National Pro-Am