No need for Tiger

The PGA Tour opens its 2010 season today with the start of the SBS Championship in Kapalua, Hawaii. The fact that Tiger Woods won't be part of the festivities while he sorts out his personal life shouldn't affect TV ratings too much. Woods hasn't played in the event since 2005. And golf addicts who have been cooped up in their homes recently because of a cold snap that has gripped much of the nation will likely tune in just to escape the dull, gray shades of winter outside. The tournament will be telecast by the Golf Channel.

The season-opening event, limited to winners in 2009, will have 28 players in the field. Phil Mickelson and Henrik Stenson have decided to skip an adventure at the Kapalua Resort and its Plantation Course (7,411 yards, par 73), a former pineapple plantation in the foothills of the West Maui Mountains.

Four out of seven PGATOUR.COM experts are picking Steve Stricker to win this year's tournament. Geoff Ogilvy posted a wire-to-wire, six-stroke victory last year. Rounds of 67-68-65-68 left him at 24-under 268.

As the season unfolds, talk of Woods' return and just when it will happen will likely overshadow the accomplishments of players still actively pursuing big prize money. In past seasons, Woods has often played a light early schedule. There's much speculation that Tiger will return to the tour in late March for the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Orlando, Fla. He's the defending champion and it falls two weeks before The Masters.

If Tiger stays out until then, he'll miss the first 13 tournaments of the season, including the San Diego Open at Torrey Pines, site of his epic 2008 U.S. Open victory over Rocco Mediate in a playoff. If Tiger doesn't return for the Bay Hill event, the drama over his return will reach new heights.

Check out this Golf Channel video looking at some of the top questions to be answered as the 2010 season unfolds:



Check out the PGA Tour's 2010 schedule at:


PGATOUR.com - Official Schedule