There are still spots in the British Open up for grabs this week, still plenty of money from the $6 million purse. And for those who feel as if they have been at the U.S. Open a lot this year, Congressional might feel the same way.
The rough - moderate but still punishing - frames the fairways in classic U.S. Open style, and the greens are better than Stuart Appleby remembered from last year when he closed with a 76 and lost a two-shot lead.
Congressional hosted the U.S. Open in 1997, won by Ernie Els, and will get the U.S. Open in three years.
"Poa annua and smooth is almost an oxymoron," Appleby said. "It's tough. This week, they seem to be not too puffy. The ball is doing everything that any player would want it to do. For some reason here, they got it right."
Some have wondered if the bumpy conditions last year kept players away. Others point to the European tour season hitting its stride, especially with the British Open only two weeks away.
Sergio Garcia, who won at Congressional three years ago, and Justin Rose are among those playing the European Open in England this week. Els and Phil Mickelson will be playing the Scottish Open next week at Loch Lomond.
And some players had to go through 36-hole qualifying for the British Open on Monday.
PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said it was too early for anyone to worry about the AT&T National drawing the best players, even when the top player is on the DL.
"All of the pieces are here for it to be an especially good tournament," Finchem said. "We have a lot of great players here this week, and one of things we are looking forward to between now and when Tiger comes back is watching to see who steps up. From that standpoint, I'm not too concerned.
"When you add some of the players that are hurt, Tiger being back next year, I really feel good about it."
Choi felt good just seeing the Blue Course again, recalling the situations he was in on every hole and the shots he pulled off, none more important than holing out from a bunker on the 17th that wrapped up his three-shot victory.
"It definitely helps my confidence, and I think it's going to help me a lot this week," Choi said. "I think this course is in very good condition. This course fits my game very well because I hit a lot of high fades. I hope to repeat the same achievement I did last year."
If he does, there will be one big difference.
Woods, who is in a straight knee brace and on crutches, probably won't be around to hand him the trophy.
