| Page 2 of 2 < |
It's Time for Tee at Congressional
"The golf course is in phenomenal shape," says Tiger Woods after his practice round Tuesday. "It's going to be one heck of a test."
(Toni L. Sandys - The Post)
TOOLBOX
   Resize
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging  |
A number of players in the field also were on the premises for the 1997 U.S. Open, won by Ernie Els. Woods tied for 19th that week and spent a good portion of his frustrating four days trying to hack out of the five-inch rough. It won't be much easier this week, with the primary rough cut at 4 1/2 inches. Ten years ago, fairways and greens were firmer and faster at the start, with rain during the tournament softening up and slightly slowing down greens. Yesterday's showers, which caused officials to end the pro-am at about 5 p.m., may lead to a similar situation.
But Mickelson, who tied for 43rd in '97, predicted yesterday that the old place again should hold up quite nicely.
"I like it where you don't have to shoot 6, 7 or 8 under par every round to keep pace," he said. "More strategy is involved, thought process as well as being challenged physically with your game. The fairways are tight. There's a lot of great definition with the contrast and color from the rough to the fairways. If I can drive it well here, hopefully I can have a chance on Sunday."
Funk, one of the game's shortest but most accurate drivers of the ball, said he saw Woods in the locker room yesterday and told him there was no way he'll be able to reach the 488-yard No. 6 -- a par 5 for the members -- in two shots like the other big bombers in the field.
"He said, 'You're going to need more ammo than that this week,' " Funk recalled. "I was holding my driver in my hand. . . . The new hole [No. 10] is unbelievable. And to have to start your round there one day. That's a heck of a hole."
The 10th actually played as the 18th at the 1997 U.S. Open. But in preparation for the 2011 Open, the club and the U.S. Golf Association decided to flip-flop the green and the tee. This year, No. 18 will be the club's picturesque signature hole, a 466-yard par 4 that played as No. 17 in '97, with water on the left and behind the green. The hole cost Tom Lehman a chance to win in '97 when he splashed his second shot into the pond.
"The golf course is in phenomenal shape," Woods said after his practice round Tuesday. "It's going to be one heck of a test. I think that's something all of us as players will be looking forward to, and we've been very lucky and very blessed to have a great field this week."
And his personal goals for the week?
"Obviously to have a fantastic event where people have a fantastic time and great memories; to thank our men and women for serving our country; and getting a W."
