With the Masters a fading memory and the next set of majors on the PGA and LPGA tours almost two months away before the U.S. Open starts, this should be a fallow period for professional golf. Tiger Woods, noted bungee jumper and stock car racer, must certainly think so. However, this week’s stops will likely transcend the ennui.
In New Orleans, play begins in the city’s Zurich Classic, the first professional tournament since Hurricane Katrina and an event local officials hope will go a long way in helping the area’s recovery.
“It will be a special week,” tournament director John Subers said.
While the NBA’s Hornets played three games on the bayou before the end of the regular season and the NFL’s Saints are expecting to return to the Superdome for all their games in 2006, the $6 million Classic will be the first national network telecast of a sporting event from New Orleans since Katrina struck.
“Very early on, everyone was trying to figure out what would happen,” Subers said. “But all our efforts and prayers are being answered. It’s great symbolism for the city. We want to show the world we’re alive and well and doing good.”
Throughout the week, players have been able to witness firsthand the catastrophic damage caused by Katrina. There are reminders of the disaster everywhere – posters, photo albums – and rather than distance itself, the tour has arranged trips to areas being cleaned up and rebuilt.
“It has a different feel to it,” Scott Verplank told The Associated Press. “It has a different attitude about it. These people have been devastated by an unbelievable act of nature. And yet they want to get the word out that things are moving forward.”
A few players, most notably Geoff Ogilvy, have wondered how much good will come to New Orleans if the players competing in the Classic leave the city with the $6 million purse in their pockets. Subers said he doesn’t expect that to be the case; when players checked in for the tournament, there was a sign-up sheet giving them the chance to donate parts of their earnings to local charities.
“I think the PGA Tour has been extremely supportive in trying to make sure that money stays in the city,” Subers said. “The players will definitely have the opportunity to donate some of their prize monies back into our local communities. Quite honestly, it’s already been overwhelming.”
Last year’s event was played at the TPC of Louisiana; however, the damage there forced a move to English Turn Golf and Country Club this week. English Turn was the tournament’s home course from 1989-2004, which has provided the players some comfort.
Tournament officials and the PGA Tour made a concerted effort to reach out to players to support the event.
Phil Mickelson was one of the first players to commit. The tournament will be his first start since winning the Masters. The left-hander will be trying to win his third consecutive event after winning the BellSouth Classic the week before Augusta.
Meanwhile, in Orlando, Fla., the LPGA will tee off a new event, the Ginn Clubs and Resort Open. While players including Annika Sorenstam and Paula Creamer will be competing for a $2.5 million purse, the third-largest on tour, there’s a chance the star-studded field will be overshadowed by 13-year-old Dakoda Dowd.
An amateur from Florida, Dowd was given a special exemption to play in the event, granting the wish of her mother, Kelly Jo Dowd, who is terminally ill with breast cancer.
Earlier in the week, Dakoda played a practice round with Sorenstam and Creamer; Wednesday she held a news conference with her parents.
“I get emotional every single time just talking about it,” Kelly Jo said of the idea of being able watch Dakoda compete with the pros. “Out there seeing my daughter swing off the tee box, I think I’m just going to break down. I don’t even know how to explain it.
“This is a dream come true for me and if you’ve ever had a dream come true for you, you know it’s very intense emotions that go along with it.
“I know that I’ll break down. There will be tears of joy and tears of happiness, as well.”
Anthony Cotton can be reached at 303-820-1292 or acotton@denverpost.com.
SPOTLIGHT: DAVID DUVAL
Which Duval shows up this week?
David Duval returns to action in his first start after missing the cut in a wild performance at the Masters. Duval entered the season’s first major expecting to continue an upward arc in his play but shot an opening-round 84, the second-worst score in the 90-player field. The Cherry Hills resident began Friday’s second round at Augusta with a front-nine 43, the highest score in the field. However, he rallied on the back nine; his 32 was the day’s best.
Moving on
“After 15 years, the time has come to step aside.”
Denver native Will Nicholson, 77, who will be stepping down as chair for both the Masters’ competition and rules committees. Nicholson, who has served on the rules committee since 1977 and became its chair in 1990, will be replaced by Fred Ridley.
THIS WEEK IN GOLF
PGA Tour
Zurich Classic of New Orleans, English Turn Golf and Country Club, New Orleans, La.
What’s up: Phil Mickelson goes for a third straight win in an event in which three of the last four champions gained their first-ever tour victory.
LPGA Tour
Ginn Clubs and Resort Open, Reunion Resort and Club, Orlando, Fla.
What’s up: A new stop for the LPGA; eight of the world’s top 10 players are in the field.
Champions Tour
FedEx Kinko’s Classic, The Hills Country Club, Austin, Tex.
What’s up: Larry Nelson defends his title, and Ireland’s Des Smyth, winner of two of the last three tournaments, will also be there.
