The Buick Invitational is set to tee off next week at Torrey Pines, with defending champ Tiger Woods a favorite to capture the crown.
Woods won his third straight Buick last year, at the time extending his PGA Tour streak to seven championships. Woods ended the event at 15-under 273 for his 55th career victory, the fifth time he has begun a new season capturing a trophy.
Next week’s invitational, which has a purse of $5.2 million, marks the 56th PGA Tour event in San Diego, with Buick having been the tournament sponsor since 1992. This is the 46th year the Century Club of San Diego has been the organizing body.
This year’s Buick field is another strong one, with Woods leading the way.
Also expected to play (with their rankings) are San Diego native Phil Mickelson (second), K.J. Choi (fifth), Rory Sabbatini (sixth), Jim Furyk (seventh), Mark Calcavecchia (13th), Woody Austin (15th), Hunter Mahan (16th), Brandt Snedeker (17th) and Charles Howell III (18th).
“The 2008 Buick Invitational features many of the greatest names in golf, including three-time defending champion Tiger Woods and San Diegan Phil Mickelson in the field of 156 golfers,” said Rick Schloss, public relations manager for the Buick Invitational. “Every year the tournament continues to grow and grow, and it’s a marquee sporting event for the community.
The national television audience on The Golf Channel and CBS will see the beautiful Torrey Pines Golf course layout.”
As far as crowds, Schloss expects them to exceed 100,000 for the week depending on sunshine.
The schedule for the Buick Invitational is as follows:
Monday, Jan. 21
(Admission Free)
“¢ Practice rounds for PGA TOUR Players
“¢ Sycuan Resort Pro-Am, South Course, starting at 10:30 a.m.
“¢ Parking is free at the Glider Port Parking area on Monday only
Tuesday, Jan. 22
“¢ Practice rounds for PGA TOUR Players
“¢ Noon Military Appreciation Luncheon
“¢ 3:30 p.m. Buick Family Days Clinic, No. 4 North Course
Wednesday, Jan. 23
“¢ AT&T Pro-Am, North and South Courses, starting 6:42 a.m.
Thursday, Jan. 24
“¢ Opening Round of the 2008 Buick Invitational, North and South Courses, starting at 8:30 a.m.
Friday, Jan. 25
“¢ Second Round of the Tournament, North and South Courses, starting at 8:30 a.m.
Saturday, Jan. 26
“¢ Third Round of the Tournament, South Course, starting at 8:30 a.m.
“¢ Toshiba Pro-Am, North Course, starting at 8 a.m.
Sunday, Jan. 27
“¢ Final Round of the Tournament, South Course, starting at 8:30 a.m.
“¢ Awards Ceremony on the 18th Green
“¢ Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito Golf Tournament, North Course, starting at 7 a.m.
For fans attending, a season preferred parking pass allows access into the Glider Port Parking Area the entire week of the tournament (Tuesday through Sunday).
Parking in the Glider Port Parking Area must be purchased by Monday, Jan. 21, although parking on Monday, Jan. 21, is free at the Glider Port Parking Area. A complimentary shuttle is available from the Glider Port Parking Area to the No. 9 tee.
Finally, general parking is located at Sun Runner and Del Mar Show Park. Fans can only purchase parking for these two locations on the day they are attending the event. Parking is $15 per vehicle and includes the round-trip shuttle service.
For further information on the Buick Invitational, visit www.buickinvitational.com.
