Golf fans in Myrtle Beach are anxiously awaiting the big event that will bring amateurs and professionals together at our nation’s capital to focus on the golf world. Also in the spotlight, Congressional Country Club’s Blue Course will serve as the proving ground for the best golfers in the world.
Earlier this week, Tiger Woods withdrew from the 2011 U.S. Open Championship on Tuesday because of knee and Achilles injuries.
The alternate who will take his place is 23-year-old amateur Michael Whitehead from Sugar Land, Texas, who competed in sectional qualifying on June 6 at Dallas Athletic Club’s Blue Course.
Whitehead shot rounds of 68-68–136 to earn the first alternate position.
"We are disappointed that Tiger Woods, a three-time champion, will not be able to play in the 2011 U.S. Open," said USGA Executive Director Mike Davis. "We completely understand that he is not fully recovered from his injuries and we wish him a speedy recovery. The excitement that he generates will be missed, but the Blue Course at Congressional Country Club will surely provide an excellent test for the 156 world-class players in the field of this national championship."
Woods, a nine-time USGA champion, has played in 16 consecutive U.S. Opens starting with his first appearance in 1995 at Shinnecock Hills where he withdrew with a wrist injury. He won the national championship in 2000, 2002 and 2008.
Anders Hansen of Denmark also withdrew because of an injury. The alternate who will take his place is Jason Dufner, who competed in sectional qualifying on June 6 at Hawks Ridge G.C. in Ball Ground, Ga. Dufner shot 69-64–133 to earn the first alternate position
Golf fans in the Myrtle Beach area who are interested in improving their game should take advantage of a golf training program such as Classic Swing Golf School. Classic Swing teaches golf on an individual basis. Personal attention, quality instruction, and a time honored curriculum are things that have made it a success. They do not rebuild or tear down swings but reprogram through proper information while evaluating every student’s body type, personality, skill level, and golf goals. State-of-the-art technology, communication skills, sound proven techniques and their knowledge of the golf swing have allowed this golf school to lower the handicaps of thousands of players. Conveniently located in Myrle Beach at Legends Golf Club, they strive to provide the highest quality instruction along with the most fun and relaxing environment available. Check it out at www.classicswing.com/home/