MattStark's Blog

It's looking like another year without an appearance in Memphis by the worlds greatest golfer-- and the PGA's biggest draw, Tiger Woods.

Historically Tiger doesn't play --or enjoy-- TPC Courses, which of course the TPC Southwind is.

Bummer.

There are many charities that the PGA donates money to each year, but in my mind there is none better than the St. Jude Children Research Hospital, which has received over $19 million dollars from the Memphis tour stop since 1970.

Think about how much exposure the SJCRH would get if Tiger played in Memphis. The city too for that matter. You couldn't put a price tag on it, trust me.

I know that Phil Cannon, the Tournament Director, has done everything in his power to get Tiger to play here over the years, and this is where I wish the PGA would--or could-- get involved.

How they would do that is a blog for another day.

There are many arguments to be made on both sides.

Tournaments without Tiger don't draw nearly as well, or draw the ratings that events do, when Tiger is in the field. That is a fact. However, can you force someone to do something --and by that I mean Tiger-- and play somewhere where they don't want to? I don't know that you can.

All I know is this- the Stanford St. Jude Championship is a wonderful event, with hard working, dedicated people, and it exists to benefit sick children. As a father, I really enjoy playing a very, very small part in this event, and I wish Tiger would give Memphis a chance to grow on him.

It's really not that hot here in early June....