Rivals To Exploit Woods’ Absence

05.07.2008

The absence of tour nament host Tiger Woods from this week’s AT&T National has given many of his peers extra incentive.

World number one Woods - recovering from knee surgery - triumphed four times in just six starts on the PGA Tour before cancelling his playing schedule for the season, automatically providing fresh opportunities for others to visit the winner’s circle.

“I think make hay while the weather is good,” Australian Stuart Appleby said on the eve of the opening round at Congressional Country Club.

Asked whether the absence of Woods was significant in itself or simply one less player for the field to beat, Appleby replied: “Both.

“I’m trying to post a low score and win and maybe that puts me four shots in front or maybe that puts me five behind, one week to the next.

“Having Tiger here, there is a fractional percentage of he’s now potentially winning it [the tournament]. Without him, it makes my life a little bit easier.”

American world number seven Steve Stricker agreed the absence of Woods was a major benefit to the rest of the field.