Golf Has Never Looked So Much Like Us

Attendance at Congressional has jumped each round by roughly 10,000 fans a day. Part of the appeal may be improvements at Congressional, even since the '05 Booz Allen Classic. Mounding has created more amphitheater areas where spectators can see easily. Grandstands, all around the course, are generally in shade. More concession stands are a godsend in July heat. Unlike often barren TPC at Avenel, where fans sweltered, Congressional is one of golf's shadiest courses. However, scoreboards are too rare. Today's $1.08 million first prize could swing on leader board knowledge -- or lack of it.

"To have our event embraced by the people here in D.C., it's been unbelievable," said Woods. "Everyone comes out and just enjoys the sport and supports what we're trying to do for kids."

Almost as important for the long-range health of the tournament has been the enthusiasm of the field for Congressional, especially as it has been set up this week with conditions that permit reasonable scoring. To the degree possible, Woods and the PGA Tour have tried to make this event a proper preparation for the British Open in two weeks with its penal rough and greens that are slower than major championships in the U.S.

However, Tiger's goal is not to frazzle everybody's brain before they get to Carnoustie.

"This is not a U.S. Open-type of setup," Congressional's course superintendent, Mike Giuffre, said. "The fairways are 28-29 yards wide [not 22-to-26 like the Open]. The speed of the greens and the pin placements are not like the Open."

Added Giuffre with a small smile, "The tour is just different."

So, a low score from someone who's now back in the pack is far from impossible today. Regardless of final-round results, the most important questions about Woods's first event in Washington have been answered. Crowds have been large and, if Sundays at Avenel are predictive, the biggest attendance is yet to come. Congressional, even without intimidating, hard, fast greens, has still proved a stiff test for the pros and a stunning treat for everyone's senses.

Best of all, the tone and feel of this event has already come close to achieving what Tiger intended. Stand at any juncture where the crowds crisscross. A towering sailor, dressed in his whites, escorts his girlfriend toward the first tee. Two small boys traipse behind their parents, keeping quiet as told. Be careful not to trip over a Cabinet member. Watch for 10 minutes, and you'll see a slice of not only America but of the whole world.

For decades, golf has been criticized for not being "colorful" enough -- in every sense of the word. For one week a year, here in Washington thanks to Tiger Woods, that situation may soon change.