Missing Tiger

Interest in the PGA Tour is so predicated on Tiger Woods participating in tournaments, and he definitely would have been at the Wachovia Championship this year to defend his title had he not had knee surgery. It's believed Woods will make this an annual stop on his goodwill for golf campaign. So how much is Woods missed this week by tournament organizers and fans in the Carolinas? Well, the tournament was a sellout before anyone knew he wasn't coming, and the crowds have not suffered by his absence at all. There may not be as much of a buzz, however. A Mecklenberg County officer working the tournament said they haven't had to argue with as many people trying to park their car close to the tournament without the necessary parking passes. ``The crowds are still the same, there's just not that same enviroment,'' said the female officer, who is admittedly not a golf fan, but is a Tiger fan. ``I think Tiger is so well known, he's someone everyone can associate with even if you're not a golf fan.''
The players often notice a difference, even aside from the added money and fame that can be had at an event without Woods in the field. ``Without a doubt there's a huge void when he's not here,'' Masters champion Trevor Immelman  said. ``The guy is probably going to go down as the greatest player of all time, and the thing that I respect most about him is the way that he handles himself on and off the golf course and the fact that he understands the impact he has on people and the impact he has on the game, and he acts accordingly. That's why people come out in droves to see him.
``. . . There's a lot of great players here, but one Tiger Woods is worth a hell of a lot.''