Tiger Woods to Play in Memorial Tournament

Cheer up Columbus! The Golf Channel's website is reporting that Tiger Woods will play the 2010 Memorial Tournament at Jack Nicklaus' Muirfield Village in Dublin.

There has been speculation that Woods would not be able to play the Memorial Tournament, scheduled for May 31-June 6, 2010 following his withdrawal in the final round of the Players Tournament. Tiger Woods' official website has not updated to include the Memorial Tournament on his schedule.

With a commitment to play the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village, Tiger Woods is responsible for a collective sigh of relief from Central Ohio charities and businesses. According to a press release from The Memorial on May 9, 2009, the annual economic impact to area businesses is estimated to be $30 million. Woods won the 2009 Memorial and also won the charity Skins Game, resulting in a $100,000 donation to The First Tee.

As the top-ranked golfer in the world, Woods is a ticket draw for every tournament he plays regardless of issues in his personal life. Amateur golfers aspire to learn how Tiger wins again and again. Fans that have never swung a club in their life have been inundated for years with coverage of Tiger Woods and his accomplishments.

I will even admit to my own favorite Memorial Tournament visit. Thanks to a patron badge from one of my vendors, I found a spot on the hill outside the Clubhouse overlooking the 18th green and watched the ending of the 1999 Memorial Tournament up close and personal. Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh were neck and neck and the dramatic shift from hushed crowd to jubilant cheers was electrifying as Woods won.

I don't golf. My ex-husband tried to teach me, an ex-boyfriend tried to teach me and I can see a pattern when it develops. I was still thrilled to be a part of the crowd at a golf tournament in which Tiger Woods was playing.

All around Dublin and Columbus, restaurant and bar owners are breathing a little easier today. Tiger Woods is coming to town and bringing the gawkers who will spend their money before leaving town.

Of course, mothers of employees of Columbus' adult entertainment clubs might want to take their daughters on a trip out of town.

Sources: GolfChannel.com ; TheMemorialTournament