This is the last dance for the Booz Allen Classic, at least in its coveted June slot. And why not? By PGA Tour standards, the tournament has been a lower-tier event, plagued by Tiger-less fields, an uninspiring venue, juggled calendar dates, sponsor changes, and — most of all — little support from the organization that brought the tournament to Washington.
In stark contrast to the tournament’s reputation, however, has been Washington’s unconditional enthusiasm for it. That loyalty might be tested in the fall of 2007 if the tournament is moved to football season. It might also be tested this week as the Booz Allen trudges on saddled by lame duck status and perhaps its weakest field ever. Play runs Thursday through Sunday in Potomac at the Tournament Players Club at Avenel.
Defending champion Sergio Garcia — who missed the cut this past weekend at the U.S. Open — is the only top-10 player in the field. Adam Scott, ranked No. 5 and the 2004 champion, pulled out last week. So did another drawing card, Bubba Watson, the longest hitter on the PGA Tour. Rising star Lucas Glover also bailed.
It’s a far cry from last year when the tournament was held at nearby Congressional Country Club, the week before the U.S. Open, and attracted a star-studded, international field as well as a huge gallery. Whatever momentum the Booz Allen might have gained, however, was negated this March when the PGA quietly announced the tournament will shift to a much less desirable September date in 2007.
That change prompted Booz Allen to end its role as lead sponsor. The tournament will survive only if a new sponsor steps forward.
“Despite some of the issues that have come up, this has been a great experience for us, being the title sponsor of this tournament for the last three years,” said Booz Allen Chairman Ralph Shrader. “We’ve learned the Washington-area fans are great fans.”
This year those fans will likely be drawn to headliners Garcia, Padraig Harrington and Chris DiMarco as well as old Avenel favorites Fred Funk and Rich Beem, who got his first PGA Tour win in Potomac seven years ago.
“I think our field has shaped up to be very strong,” said Steve Skinner, President of Kemper Sports Management, which runs the tournament. “We’ve been very lucky the last two years having Sergio and Adam, great champions.”
Finding interesting players will require more effort this week, but they’re still here in abundance. Consider the following, all who have won their first PGA Tour titles this year, and will play Avenel.
J.B. Holmes, 24, stands just 5-foot-11, 190 pounds, but is the second-leading driver on the tour. Holmes, who played varsity golf for a high school team in Kentucky as a third-grader, claimed his first tour title at the FBR.
Another long hitter, Brett Wetterich, 32, has emerged as a force, finishing in the top six in four of his last seven tournaments. Last month after he won the Byron Nelson, he dedicated his performance to his brother who was killed by a drunk driver in Chicago three years ago.
Carl Pettersson, 28, comes to the PGA Tour by way of Sweden and North Carolina State. Three weeks ago, when he won the Memorial, the husky, crew cutted blonde drew comparison to the tournament’s founder, Jack Nicklaus.
As a teen, Chris Couch, was the best junior player in the country. But his pro career was anything but distinguished until he won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Using a cross-handed grip, Couch, 33, chipped in on the 18th hole to win by a stroke.
So who will win this week? Will it be a worthy heir to a crown that has been worn by the likes of Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Fred Couples and Tom Kite? Or will a Morris Hatalsky, Tom Scherrer, or Tom Byrum emerge?
Either way, local fans hope this will not be their last chance to see PGA Tour stars in their own backyard.
“We can promise you great golf, a great experience and a chance to give back to the community, while hopefully having a great deal of fun,” said Shrader.
BOOZ ALLEN SCHEDULE
» Monday: Stableford Pro-Am
» Tuesday: Booz Allen Junior Clinic
» Wednesday: Booz Allen Pro-Am
» Thursday: Opening round
