Unfortunately, the U.S. Open win took its tool on Woods - he had offseason surgery to repair the torn knee ligaments (as well as a fractured bone) he played with while winning. And though his rehab is on schedule, he won't be sufficiently ready in time for the Buick.
Nevertheless, the Buick Invitational must go forward, Tiger or no Tiger. The tournament takes place Feb. 2-8, 2009 (the actual tournament starts on Feb. 5.
The Buick Invitational always sports a strong field, and this year promises the same, even without Tiger. And then there's that monster-of-a-golf-course, Torrey Pines South: the Rees Jones beast that hosted the 2009 United States Open. It's the course that everyone wants to play, after watching the tournament on national TV, but one that no one can play, both ability-wise and literally. Getting at tee time at the popular municipal course is akin to striking gold (believe me, I try nearly every week).
