Golf Central

After an explosively patriotic opening ceremony, the AT & T National gets underway at the Congressional Country Club today, with KJ Choi looking to defend his title. Tiger's hosting the event, but we're not sure what kind of job he'll do, what with him being in a knee brace and on crutches...

1. It's a rubbish field
Last year's tournament featured six of the top eight players. This year, only six of the top 24 are playing. Tiger (who hosts the tournament) is out, as are Mickelson, Singh and Scott.  Looks like the Tiger effect's kicking in...
2. A word from our sponsor
If it's long distance and short distance telephone calls, wireless and DSL Internet access you're after, then look no further than AT & T. With 71.4 million customers and a net income of $11.951 billion in 2007, these cats mean business. AT & T sponsor a total of four golf events, and have their fingers in many other sporting pies, including their own Formula 1 team, their own Nascar race and a few basketaball and baseball arenas.
3. They sure know how to put on a show
Opening ceremonies at golf tournaments are usually quiet affairs, but not at the AT & T National. Five paratroopers from the Screaming Eagles demonstration team flew onto the first fairway to kick things off at the Congressional CC, each carrying golf balls that were teed up at army bases in Japan, Germany, the UK, Iraq and Afghanistan. Hall of Fame shortstop, Cal Ripken Jr., was on hand to add to the annoyingly patriotic ceremony.
4. Jumping for Choi
The AT & T National replaced The International last year, with the innaugural event being won by KJ Choi. It was a dramatic final day, the South Korean holing a 30-foot greenside bunker shot on the 17th hole to etch his name on the trophy. Stuart Appleby started the day with a two-stroke lead, but the Aussie pressed the self-destruct button, finishing with a 76. He refused to speak to reporters afterwards...
5. Maryland: Home of The Wire
If we're not on the golf course, you'll find us having fun at the Jolly Roger Amusement Park, watching the Baltimore Orioles play ball at Camden Yards,trying to get a part as an extra on police drama series, The Wire, feeding the animals at Salisbury Zoo, swilling The Raven Special lager or scoffing loads of fresh crab.