• PGA Tour

Woods commits early to WGC-Bridgestone

ESPN staff
June 20, 2012
Tiger Woods has committed to an appearance at Firestone © Getty Images
Enlarge

Tiger Woods has strayed from his usual process to commit to the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, an event he has won six times, over a month in advance.

Current PGA Tour regulations mean players can confirm their intention to play in an event up to just a week before it is due to start, a situation that Woods often takes advantage of for all events outside of the majors.

The 14-time major champion has made an exception to that for the upcoming WGC event at Firestone Country Club, however - revealing his intention to play over a month before he is required to in a move that perhaps indicates a greater willingness to accommodate tournament organisers in future.

Organisers now expect tickets for the event - with takes place in Akron, Ohio - to sell faster than usual.

"This is the earliest Tiger has entered since I've been here [in 2006]," said tournament director Don Padgett III to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "Last year he waited until the Thursday or Friday before, which is his right. But, having him commit early is a plus."

The WGC-Bridgestone Invitational regularly attracts a top field - with Masters champion Bubba Watson and world No. 1 Luke Donald among a host of top names already in the field. US Open champion Webb Simpson is yet to commit, however, as he and his wife are expecting the birth of their second child around the same time.

Woods is due to make his next appearance next week at the AT&T National at Congressional Country Club. He is looking to bounce back after a disappointing finish at the US Open - where he held the halfway lead but slumped over the weekend.

"I had a chance this week and I'll get after it in another week in DC [at Congressional]," Woods said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close