The Sad End is Here

The Buick Open is officially gone. Done. History. Another kick in the teeth for the Michigan economy. Another example of what happens when Americans ask the government to do their thinking and decision-making for them. Big Brother doesn't like golf, so we have no more Buick Open. How sad.

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Welcome to the Tiger Vortex

It's unlike anything I've seen before, except I've seen it before. Wherever Tiger goes, the legions follow. If he sneezes there are two thousand "bless you" wishes. If he whispers a joke to Stevie, people who were nowhere nearby feign a laugh. And when he walk near a crowd, every single fan is certain he'll stop and sign and chat and perhaps come over for dinner.

This week at Warwick Hills, the most famous athlete on the planet is stirring crowds not just with his presence, but also with his stellar round 2 play - a 9=under par round of 63 to move from 95th place to 3rd.

It was a clinic in how to adjust from an opening 71 and another chapter in Tiger's legendary legacy in Grand Blanc. Let's just hope it's not the final chapter in the book.

On a perfect Friday at the Buick, this tournament is looking for a savior in the form of a corporation flush with cash and not afraid to flip the bird to Barney Frank and his bizarre liberal minions who think any form of corporate entertainment and charitable effort not born of gov't largesse, is a colossal waste.

I nominate Tiger and his foundation. Anyone second that motion?

Tiger Is In!

Fantastic news released just moments ago by the Buick Open - Tiger has committed to playing the 2009 Buick Open!

TIGER WOODS TO PLAY 2009 BUICK OPEN

GRAND BLANC, Mich. – Tiger Woods, who has carved out an unprecedented career since becoming a professional golfer in late summer of 1996, has officially committed to play in the 2009 Buick Open, scheduled for July 27-August 2 at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club in Grand Blanc.

“We are very fortunate and honored that the world’s No. 1-ranked player has decided to play the Buick Open,” said Larry Peck, national promotions manager for Buick-GMC. “There is no doubt that Tiger brings an elevated excitement level to Warwick Hills whenever he plays, and we are delighted to share the news with Michigan fans.”

Woods has had an historic impact on the Buick Open, having wrapped up two tournament titles in 2002 and 2006, and holding the record (along with Billy Mayfair) for lowest 18-hole score when he posted a 61 in the second round at the 2005 event. Woods has played at the Buick Open eight times, and has never finished lower than 11^th. His last visit to the Buick Open was in 2006.

Woods has won 68 PGA TOUR titles, including the: 1997, 2001, 2002 and 2005 Masters Tournaments; 1999, 2000, 2006 and 2007 PGA Championships; 2000, 2002 and 2008 U.S. Open Championships; and 2000, 2005 and 2006 British Open Championships. He has already won three times on TOUR this season.

With his second Masters victory in 2001, Woods became the first player to ever hold all four professional major championships at the same time. He is the career victories leader among active players on the PGA TOUR, and also is the career money list leader.

The 2009 Buick Open field will compete for a record $5.1 million purse, including a $918,000 first prize.

The Burden of Being Tiger

The truth is, you and I can not relate. There is NO chance we'll ever understand what it's like to live in a fishbowl to the extent of the biggest names in Hollywood, the White House, or celebrity. Sure, the money is ridiculous and almost mythical in quantity. Sure, the trappings of wealth look enticing most of the time (mostly because that's the side of fame we see celebrated).

There are celebs who handle all of it with great grave, humility, and charitable giving. They are the ones who we rarely see on the tabloid covers, Drudge Report, or in grainy internet videos shot by their boyfriends during a time of umm, personal interaction.

Tiger Woods is one of these graceful mega-celebs. Other than an occasional f-bomb launched after a wayward shot, Tiger is as sharp and clean as they come. His foundation does wonderful things for children. His smile lights up a room. His impact on the game has been tremendous.

But for some reason I'm having a hard time getting past the feeling that he owes something to the Buick Open. Our state's only PGA Tour event is hanging by a thread and the possibility is quite strong that the recently rescued '09 event may be the final edition of this wonderful, hallowed, vital event.


But Tiger can change that. Yes, one man has the potential to make that degree of impact simply by speaking out and speaking up and being present. Tiger, you need to play in this year's Buick Open.

After a handful of years on the Buick payroll, it's time to give back to a company that Big Brother now controls. You've collected millions from the failed car company, and no one begrudges you that. The endorsement dollars are well-earned and serve as a reminder of the powerful impact your presence makes.

Now, we need that presence in mid-Michigan. We need you to play in the Buick this year. We need you to do something you promised to do the last two years but backed out of - play in the Buick. (Both withdrawls were quite valid - birth of child and knee injury.)

I have attended the winter luncheons where real checks are handed out to real charities as a result of the Buick Open.

I have seen the impact this event makes on the community...a community that is reeling from the recession but gets to smile one week a year when the stars of golf come visit.

I have watched Tiger play his way to victory and carry along throngs of hurting people with him throughout the journey.

Now, we need the man whose list of requests is longer than a late-night Congressional pork amendment to answer this one with a nod, a phone call, and early notice that he will be part of what may very well be the final Buick Open.

Tiger, we'll save you a spot in the field...just this once.