"That was probably the sentiment from the community, and certainly from the club. As far as the excitement around the event, the interest, and the people that really came out in support of the event. It was very unique situation, making it happen in literally 112 days. Our goal going into 2010 is to do the same thing. In our estimation, bring the best tournament to the Greater Philadelphia area. We're hoping to be able to deliver [again]."
Philly, for whatever reasons, hasn't had a big-time professional men's event since the 1981 U.S. Open at Merion. The national championship, of course, finally will be headed back there in 2013. Merion did hold a U.S. Amateur 4 years ago, but that's different. So is Tiger's presence. Philly was once the home of the PGA Tour's IVB Classic at Whitemarsh Valley, yet that's been gone for close to 3 decades. Then there was the SEI Pennsylvania Classic in 2000 and 2002, but that disappeared as well due to its fall date and lack of marquee drawing power.
The A T & T will soon change that landscape, if only for 2 years while Congressional renovates its greens in preparation for the 2011 Open. Anthony Kim won last year, against a field that included many of the top names, even if Phil Mickelson wasn't there. But when you've got the biggest attraction in not only the game but perhaps all of sport, who else do you need to make it a rousing success?
