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The 2009 Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines, Feb. 2-8

Tiger Woods Won't Be Ready to Defend His Championship at Torrey Pines

By Inigo Figuracion, About.com

The 18th at Torrey Pines South

It's almost become a tradition in golf: the Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines is typically Tiger Woods' coming out party for the PGA Tour season. And after last summer's epic U.S. Open win over Rocco Mediate at the very same course, it would've been fitting that Woods return to the Buick to open the season and make history to win for the sixth time.

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).

Read my Buick Invitational-At-A-Glance information.

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