Local Golf Fans Lament Woods's Long Absence

Dan Lamarchesino looked up from behind the counter at Falls Road Golf Course in disbelief. "What's that about Tiger?" the pro shop assistant asked. He didn't want his wife's premonition to prove true, but he has this theory about people who don't follow sports: On the rare occasion they do tune in, their insight typically trumps that of most fans.

After carding a 1-under-par 70 Saturday to claim the 54-hole lead at the U.S. Open, Tiger Woods was asked during his post-round news conference about the health of his surgically repaired left knee. How does it feel? Is the pain getting worse? When does it hurt the most?

Michaela Lamarchesino -- after having watched an entire round of golf, according to her husband, "for the first time ever" -- saw Woods's often brief responses and matter-of-factly stated, "He's probably done for the rest of the year after this."

The news yesterday that Woods would undergo season-ending surgery to repair his left anterior cruciate ligament not only dealt a significant marketing blow to the upcoming AT&T National at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, it also made Michaela's Nostradamus-like prediction a reality.

Before setting out on their midday rounds yesterday at Falls Road, many golfers expressed disappointment that Woods, the No. 1 player in the world, would not be able to compete in the PGA Tour stop at Congressional just a few miles up the road.

"I probably would have gone to watch," said David Lanter, a retired doctor from Potomac. "Now I'm not sure. I probably will, but I don't know."

Several others echoed Lanter's sentiment, acknowledging that patrons came in droves to last season's AT&T National for one reason -- to see Woods, the tournament's host, play a round of golf.

They came to yell, "Yeah, Tiger!" after one of his vicious drives. They came to cling to the ropes as he walked up the fairways. They came hoping to see one of those patented fist pumps after a successful putt. Lanter was one of those people. He and his wife waited around at a few greens, just to see Woods walk by them on his way to the next tee box.

"It would be a lot nicer if Tiger was there, but they've still got a good group of people," District native George Aragon said. "The crowd should still be quite big, but not as big as last year."

AT&T National officials said among those who have committed to play in the July 3-6 tournament are defending champion K.J. Choi, former U.S. Open winner Jim Furyk and Washington area native Fred Funk. Sources said yesterday that the field is also expected to include U.S. Open runner-up Rocco Mediate, as well as 2007 Masters champion Zach Johnson, veterans Fred Couples and Davis Love III, and Paul Goydos, the runner-up in last month's Players Championship.

The PGA Tour has not yet received commitments from top players such as world No. 2 Phil Mickelson, who played in the event last year, Sergio García or Vijay Singh.

Ram Nimmagadda of McLean said he didn't understand why Woods's absence necessarily would translate to lower fan turnout at Congressional.