Tiger Eager To Return To Ponte Vedra And Fond Memories; Commits Really, Really Early (For Him)

You know the fond memories, the U.S. Amateur he won there. The Players. And being hustled into the cart barn by his security team in a black Suburban, armed with an apology statement to read.

Tiger Woods officially commits to THE PLAYERS Championship field

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. – Tiger Woods has officially committed to THE PLAYERS Championship, tournament officials today announced, and will continue his 2010 season at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, May 3-9.  Woods committed to the Quail Hollow Championship, April 26-May 2, in Charlotte, N.C., and will compete there next week before returning to TPC Sawgrass for THE PLAYERS.  

“We are thrilled to add Tiger Woods to THE PLAYERS Championship field and really appreciate the fact that he gave us advance notice so we can generate additional excitement here in the community,” said Jay Monahan, Vice President and Executive Director of THE PLAYERS.  “This is a huge boost for what was already shaping up to be an incredible week for our fans on site and those watching around the world.  The addition of the world’s No. 1 player will only enhance THE PLAYERS, and we look forward to welcoming Tiger – and what we hope will be record crowds – to TPC Sawgrass.”

Woods, who won THE PLAYERS in 2001, will make his second-consecutive start at TPC Sawgrass after missing the 2008 event due to knee surgery.  He posted a solo eighth-place finish last year, his first top-10 result since his 2001 victory and fourth top 10 in 12 career starts.

Woods joins a field that is annually considered the deepest in all of golf.  Also committed to THE PLAYERS 2010 are reigning Masters champion and 2007 PLAYERS champion Phil Mickelson, two-time winner this year and Ponte Vedra Beach-resident Jim Furyk and former PLAYERS champions Sergio Garcia (2008) and Henrik Stenson (2009).