By Dawn Fantasia on
“This event means a lot to me,” wrote Tiger Woods in a note to his fans expressing his appreciation for their outpouring of support for the AT&T National, in which 120 of the world’s best players will compete for the AT&T National tournament trophy and $6 million in prize money at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesday, MD, on July 2-6.
The opening ceremony will include performances by the U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Brass Quintet, the Joint Honor Guard representing the five branches of the military.
“I wanted this year’s ceremony to honor the men and women who serve in our military and their families,” Tiger Woods said. “I grew up in a military household, which gave me an understanding of the sacrifices these soldiers and their families make for all of us. It’s our way of saying thanks to them.”
“I’m really looking forward to playing the AT&T National. It’s a world-class venue that should provide a great week of competition,” said Fred Couples, who holds 15 PGA TOUR victories and will be participating in the AT&T National’s ceremonial first shot on Wednesday, July 2. Davis Love III, who holds 19 PGA TOUR titles, added: “Congressional has one of the greatest courses in the U.S. and I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to compete on the Blue Course.”
Tournament officials announced that other top golfers committed to the 120-player field include KJ Choi, Rocco Mediate, Zach Johnson, Anthony Kim, Stuart Appleby, J.B. Holmes, Ryuji Imada, Paul Goydos, Bart Bryant, Jeff Quinney, Daniel Chopra, D.J. Trahan, Fred Funk and Charles Howell III, Notay Begay, Chris Riley, Olin Browne, Billy Andra and many more.
Children ages 13-18 will have the opportunity to participate in the First Pump Challenge at a station in the Grove at Hole 11 by sharing their proudest moments and greatest achievements with Tiger Woods. Children at home can also participate in this challenge online by submitting an essay or video about their “first pump moment” to the Tiger Woods Foundation at www.tigerwoodsfoundation.org.
AT&T has donated more than $500,000 worth of prepaid phone cards to Cell Phones for Soldiers. During the tournament you will receive free postage at the AT&T Digital Clubhouse to mail your old cell phone to the organization. If you are not planning on attending, you can still help out by dropping your old cell phone off any AT&T store.
For more information, go to www.att.com/pressroom/soldiers. Tickets for the tournament start at just $25 and can be ordered by calling 1-800-594-TIXX or visiting the tournament website at www.attnational.org.
Copyright © 2008 Look to the Stars
