In a change from its traditional spot between The Open Championship and the PGA Championship, the Buick Open in Grand Blanc, MI will be contested June 28 - July 1st without another tradition: Tiger Woods. For the first time since 2001, the field at the Buick Open will not include the world’s number one as he is at home with his new cub. Additionally, three time champion Vijay Singh will not be competing this week. That is the bad news.
The good news is Jim Furyk (3), Trevor Immelman (15), and Charles Howell III (23) are ranked players in the top 25 that will be making a run at the title. Perennial fan favorite John Daly will be there. Fred Funk is making another appearance on the "regular" tour at the Buick. Chris DiMarco has also comitted to being in the field. Let’s also not forget the wonderful roars of the 17th that can be heard all the way to Canada.Scott Verplank said, "The greens are always really good. Fairways are always really good. I think it’s a fun week if you play well because you can definitely make some birdies, shoot good scores. And the crowds here, particularly on Saturday and Sunday, are pretty fun coming down the stretch, the last two or three holes, particularly 17, I always enjoy that." Locals love getting to the 17th early and enjoying the party atmosphere. It is one of the more enthusiastic crowds in all of golf, playing second fiddle only to the 16th at TPC Scottsdale. With the surrounding water, sand, and intensity, it can be one of the hardest challenges a golfer will face at Warwick Hills.
Warwick Hills has been the site of the continually since 1978. It was hosted there for the first ten years as a tournament, but it was dropped in 1969 off the schedule. It played host to a bunch of unsanctioned events, and Grand Blanc was picked for the 1977 tourney. In 1978, Warwick was again the home, and it has never left since. The Buick is a major source of donations in the Flint area. Last year, $832,000 was donated to various Southeastern Michigan charities from proceeds. Steve Shannon, Buick GM states, "“We are very pleased to be able to continue this tradition of giving to the many worthy organizations that provide badly needed programs and services for so many people.”
The record $4.9 million purse is on the line at 7127 yard, par 72 Warwick Hills with the winner receiving $882,000 and of course a Buick Enclave. Warwick Hills played as the 9th easiest course on tour last year with a winning score of -24, so it should be a varitable birdie-fest. With a fairly vulnerable course and the defending champ at home changing diapers, look for a shootout to the finish. Tune into the television coverage or log into to Live @ The Buick for live streaming action from the 17th hole at Warwick Hills.
Television Times
Thursday 6/28 3-6 PM Golf Channel
Friday 6/29 3-6 PM Golf Channel
Saturday 6/30 3-6 PM CBS
Sunday 7/1 3-6 PM
I particularly liked the line about being at home with his new cub. mom
Comment by r8zmom
— July 3, 2007 @ 5:15 pm