Buick Open moves on without Tiger

GRAND BLANC – Does no Tiger Woods mean no Buick Open?

Hardly. But to some it might seem that way.

The Tiger Clinic at Comerica Park was cancelled, but it’s still business as usual for tournament week. The 50th anniversary of the tournament is set for June 23-29 at Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club.

The field has just three of the top 30 players in the world, but it’s an interesting mix of old-timers and up-and-comers, headlined by U.S. Open runner-up Rocco Mediate, a former champion. More former champions – Jim Furyk, Justin Leonard, Woody Austin, Kenny Perry, Tom Pernice, Jr., Scott Verplank, Brian Bateman and Billy Mayfair – will also tee it up. Still others include Chris DiMarco, Fred Funk, J.B Holmes, Charles Howell III, John Daly, Tom Lehman, Bob Estes, Lee Janzen, Bubba Watson, Dan Forsman, Larry Mize, Tommy Armour III and 2008 Michigan Open Champion Tom Gillis, who will be playing in his eighth Buick Open.

The 2008 Buick Open field will compete for a record $5 million purse, including a $900,000 first prize and the keys to a 2008 Buick Enclave. For tickets and information, call 1-800-878-OPEN or go to www.buickopen.com.

“We're looking forward to a great week, including a special ceremony to commemorate the tournament's golden anniversary," Buick marketing manager Larry Peck said.