Expectant father Tiger Woods intends to play PGA Tour's Buick Open

From WorldGolf.com News Services

Expectant father Tiger Woods intends to defend his Buick Open title at the June 28-July 1 PGA Tour event at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club in Grand Blanc, Mich., the tournament announced.

"The tournament is kind of up in the air for me but I intend on playing," Woods told reporters at the Buick Open media day. "I'm really looking forward to coming back."

Woods' wife, Elin, is expecting the couple's first child in early July. Woods has made it clear that while his current plan is to defend his Buick crown, the birth would take precedence.

Other players committed to the tournament include Jim Furyk, John Daly, Charles Howell III, Trevor Immelman and former Buick Open champions Woody Austin, Rocco Mediate, Tom Pernice, Jr. and Billy Mayfair.

For their part, Buick Open officials were clearly pleased with the likelihood that Woods will be on hand.

"Tiger's continued support of the Buick Open makes a tremendous difference for everyone involved with the tournament and for southeast Michigan charities," said Larry Peck, Buick's golf marketing manager. "He is a tremendous partner to Buick who loves to compete at Warwick Hills."

Woods has won three times this season on the PGA Tour and is also scheduled to play at the upcoming Memorial tournament in Dublin, Ohio.

Ballesteros bails on Senior PGA Championship

Seve Ballesteros has withdrawn from the Senior PGA Championship for undisclosed personal reasons. Ballesteros' spot in the field at the Ocean course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort was taken by Mike Donald.

Ballesteros tied for last place with Lee Trevino in his debut on the Champions Tour, putting up scores of 78, 81 and 73 at the Regions Charity Classic. In other player news, Peter Jacobsen announced he will make his first start since back surgery at the Senior PGA Championship.

Flanagan one win from PGA Tour

With his second consecutive victory on the Nationwide Tour, Nick Flanagan gained extra incentive to win again - a third straight Nationwide title will automatically earn the Australian his PGA Tour card.

The 22-year-old held off Nicholas Thompson to win last week's BMW Charity Pro-Am in Greenville, S.C.

"Two for two is good fun," Flanagan said after the tournament. "I'm planning on playing the next three weeks so hopefully I'll get another one soon."

May 23, 2007