AT&T National Preview

Lowdown:

This will be the third year that this event will be hosted by Tiger Woods at the Congressional Country Club near Washington DC. It won't be here next year as the US Open will be played at the course in 2010. That speaks volumes for how tough this course could play this week. The course uses its length and plenty of bunkers to keep players on their toes right up to the final hole which has water on it as well to make it a really tough closer.

Venue: Congressional Country Club, Bethesda, Maryland Course stats: par 70, 7,255 yards Purse: $6,000,000, Winner: $1,080,000 Defending Champion: Anthony Kim (-12)

TV coverage:

Thursday 2 July – Live on British Eurosport from 8pm. Friday 3 July – Live on British Eurosport from 8pm. Saturday 4 July – Live on British Eurosport from 6pm. Sunday 5 July – Live on British Eurosport from 8pm.

Player Watch:

Tiger Woods – Hosts this event, and will be hoping to have a positive result after the US Open and with the Open at Turnberry just around the corner. Hunter Mahan – Is having a great time of it at the moment with lots of top 5 finishes, could easily win this one if he plays as well as he has been. Paul Casey – The world number 3 is perhaps surprisingly preparing for the Open in America and will be hoping that this decision to stay in America will mean some good performances and a high finish.

Key hole:

11th, par 70, 489 yards, a converted par 5 with an elevated tee overlooks a tight landing area that slopes from left to right. Bunkers frame the right side. Second shots require great accuracy to negotiate the connected water hazards on the right and the bunkers on the left.

Skills required:
This is a monster at 7,255 yards with a par of only 70. You need length and accuracy off the tee to be in with any chance.

Where next? R&A offer Competition page AT&T betting guide