News that Tiger Woods will play next week’s Buick Open in Michigan was interesting for two reasons. Woods rarely plays three events in a row and, if the world No. 1 keeps to his status quo schedule, the Buick would be followed by the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and PGA Championship.
The announcement is also a day earlier than expected. Woods normally waits until the Friday, 5 p.m. (EST) deadline before committing to events.
As for why Woods added the Buick Open, which he has won twice but has not played since 2006, to his schedule is anyone’s guess. Perhaps he wanted to get a few extra reps in before heading to “Glory’s Last Shot” next month at Hazeltine National. The Buick start will also assure Woods at least 15 starts this year, the minimum for Tour membership.
After the PGA, Woods will likely play the Deutsche Bank Championship, BMW Championship and Tour Championship which would add up to 16 tournaments for Woods, whose season was shortened this year following knee surgery last June.