2013 Northwestern Mutual World Challenge (Tiger's Tournament)

[phan52]

Tiger's tournament is back with a strong field that includes:

Keegan Bradley, Jason Day, Jason Dufner, Jim Furyk, Bill Haas, Dustin Johnson, Zach Johnson, Matt Kuchar, Hunter Mahan, Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy, Ian Poulter, Webb Simpson, Jordan Spieth, Steve Stricker, Bubba Watson, Lee Westwood and Tiger Woods.

I wonder which is a greater achievement, winning a full field event like the Australian Open with a smattering of top players, or a small field event like this with only 18 players, albeit all top players?

[Hammer 4]

I gotta feeling this is gonna be a Good one !!!!

[jamo]

Tiger's tournament is back with a strong field that includes: Keegan Bradley, Jason Day, Jason Dufner, Jim Furyk, Bill Haas, Dustin Johnson, Zach Johnson, Matt Kuchar, Hunter Mahan, Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy, Ian Poulter, Webb Simpson, Jordan Spieth, Steve Stricker, Bubba Watson, Lee Westwood and Tiger Woods. I wonder which is a greater achievement, winning a full field event like the Australian Open with a smattering of top players, or a small field event like this with only 18 players, albeit all top players?

I'd rather win this one as a player, but I don't really know which one "means more."

[iacas]

I'd rather win this one as a player, but I don't really know which one "means more."

I imagine you'd probably feel differently if you were Australian (and I think you'd agree). Otherwise, I agree that this one probably feels a bit tougher and more special.

[jamo]

I imagine you'd probably feel differently if you were Australian (and I think you'd agree). Otherwise, I agree that this one probably feels a bit tougher and more special.

Yup, definitely. Should be interesting to see how this one plays out. It's nice to see a few of the more famous players in December. https://twitter.com/TigerWoods/status/407661363440668672

[Foursum Golf]

Does Phil ever get invitations to this event? Or does he just decline?

[Jakester23]

I'd bet he doesn't invite Phil they don't seem all that close except at the presidents cup.

[Foursum Golf]

I agree.  I'm surprised he hasn't been in the video game either.

[RonTheSavage]

Looking forward to watching these guys this weekend.

[Golfingdad]

I wonder which is a greater achievement, winning a full field event like the Australian Open with a smattering of top players, or a small field event like this with only 18 players, albeit all top players?

Good question.  I think Erik is probably right that all Australians would prefer to win that one, and most others may qualify Tigers tourney as a bigger feat.

I think it's really close though.  The quality of play at the top pro level is so high, that there is something to be said for beating 156 other world class players ... as opposed to beating only 17.

[Crim]

I think it's really close though.  The quality of play at the top pro level is so high, that there is something to be said for beating 156 other world class players ... as opposed to beating only 17.

I agree to an extent, but Adam Scott and Rory really showed how well the cream of the crop rises. Those 17 players in Tiger's tournament are pretty much "Cream of the Crop."  To win Tiger's tournament is more impressive IMO.

[k-troop]

I'll be there on Friday after a morning round at Calabasas CC.  I'm with Duf though--Saturday is for football.  This weekend is going to be awesome!!

[Foursum Golf]

I'll be there on Friday after a morning round at Calabasas CC.  I'm with Duf though--Saturday is for football.  This weekend is going to be awesome!!

Awesome. Have fun!

[SteveBamford]

Looking forward to a cracking tournament this week.  Winning a national Open shouldn't be under estimated, but yes the World Challenge champions list since 2008 reads Singh, Furyk, G-Mac, Woods, G-Mac.  All Major Champions.  Shame to see that this will be the final year that the tournament will be held at the beautiful Sherwood CC.

[Crim]

I'll be there on Friday after a morning round at Calabasas CC.  I'm with Duf though--Saturday is for football.  This weekend is going to be awesome!!

[mazzamouth]

I think Tiger and Duff are having fun.. I'm sure he really wants to watch the SEC game.. But i think Tiger is have fun.

BTW Phil is in the Video game, and has been.

[Crim]

Whoa I didn't see I was 2 days late on that twitter post! Oh well, still hilarious.

[turtleback]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jakester23

I'd bet he doesn't invite Phil they don't seem all that close except at the presidents cup.

You are wrong.  Only 2 players get invitations.  Phil meets the qualifications virtually every year, clearly he is just choosing not to play, as is his right.

From the tournament site:

Quote:

Our field of 18 elite PGA Tour players is determined as follows: the current four major winners, the top 11 available from the Official World Golf Rankings, the defending champion and two special-exemption players.

Even if that were not the case, I doubt that Tiger would be so petty as to exclude Phil.  I also doubt that could be the case without raising a big stink in the media.  Of course if Phil had an event and Tiger kept skipping it . . .