An Experience Not to Be Missed

As a result, some may be skeptical that an event, even with Woods's name on it, can be a can't-miss pleasure. Never fear, Tiger goes first cabin. No expense will be spared. For example, in the media area, there are 37 new flat-screen TVs on the individual work desks of reporters. That's 37 more than at the Masters or U.S. Open.

"The media budget for 'miscellaneous' is larger than the entire media budget for any other tour event we've ever had in Washington," a source said.

Next year, who knows -- a golf cart for every fan? With such overhead, you may wonder, "How much can be left for Tiger's charity?" A fair question, one that is addressed elsewhere in this morning's Post. But the event's charitable payout ratio isn't the fan's problem. If Tiger wants to give you Super Bowl service for $16.25 a day, take it.

This week promises to be so special that even elite Congressional is atwitter.

"We have 1,600 members. They vote on whether to bring any tournament here. We have never had more than 1,020 returned ballots for anything, not even the U.S. Open," a past club president said. "For Tiger, we got 1,350 responses. If you want to measure 'how big is this,' maybe that tells you."

Even if you're not a sports fan, don't cheat yourself. This event is a slice of local sociology and history as well as high-level sport as premier players prepare for the British Open in two weeks. Besides, nobody knows the future of The Tiger.

This year and next, Woods's event will be here. After that, he wants to stay. But can he? Is it feasible? Does this area have another course -- one excellent enough, close enough to town, with sufficient resources -- to accommodate Woods in the style to which he, like Bobby Jones and Jack Nicklaus, has grown accustomed when hosting prized signature events? Right now, the answer is no. And Congressional isn't going to relinquish its storied club, not even to Tiger, every summer for 30 years. There's lots of work to do to nail down the long-term Washington-Woods connection that everybody wants.

So, let's grab what's in front of us. Shell out that paltry Hamilton to go watch Tiger and, maybe, thank a soldier, too.