Tiger Woods will achieve a long-standing ambition this year by becoming a tournament host for the first time.
The PGA Tour, in conjunction with the Tiger Woods Foundation,
are to stage a new $6 million event in Washington from July
5th-8th.
"This is a dream come true," the world number one said in a
conference call today. "I remember when I first came out on tour
and we started our foundation in 1997, my focus and goal one day
with my father was to be able to host a tour event. This is a
pretty momentous day."
The tournament, which replaces the International on the
calendar, has been named the AT&T National.
The Tiger Woods Foundation will serve as the host
organisation and primary charitable beneficiary of an event that
will recognise and honour the men and women serving in the US armed
forces.
"It was a no-brainer for us to be able to say yes, with my
father's history in the military and the Special Forces, to come
here during the nation's birthday," said Woods, whose father Earl
died last year after a long battle with cancer.
"Anyone on active duty will get free admission to our
tournament and all kids under the age of 12 will get in free as
well. We want to make this a family-oriented affair."
Tour commissioner Tim Finchem is hoping the venue for the
first two years will be Congressional Country Club in Bethesda,
Maryland, which hosted the Kemper Open from 1980 to 1986.
"We think Congressional is the ideal site to launch this
tournament and we have requested access (to the course) in 2007 and
2008," Finchem said.
"Their board has been positive in their response."
A lack of sponsor and the absence of Woods caused the
International, held outside Denver, to lose its spot on the
calendar.