Pros Begin Practice: AT&T National Underway

NEWTOWN SQUARE–The Old Course at St. Andrew's, Augusta National, Pebble Beach and...Aronimink? The golfing world has legends, in both golfer and course, that inspire, thrill and elate the fans of a game that can be maddeningly difficult, and the next addition to the list of legends could very well be Newtown Square's own .

Aronimink is home to the 2010 and 2011 AT&T National golf tournament, and though mid-day rain may have kept some fans away during the June 28 practice round, many hardcore fans and volunteers expect a busy weekend for the tournament. 

"We just came today mainly to get autographs," said Greg Minnich. "It was awesome [last year] that's why we're back."

Minnich and his wife Laurie noted that though there was a decent turn out for the practice round, the weather definitely played a factor in how many fans showed up. Mother Nature's inconsistencies didn't stop several young players from enjoying their time at the practice rounds—even without Tiger Woods.

"You know, Tiger has an affect on everything," said 13-year-old Charles Young. "More people would be here if Tiger was here, but it's still a good crowd."

Woods is, in fact, at the AT&T National, but he will not be participating in tournament play. The injured golfer is reportedly taking time to heal properly, but will be hosting the AT&T National, as the tournament raises money for his foundation, the Tiger Woods Foundation. Woods' foundation "believes in college access for underserved youth," its website says.

In addition to supporting the Tiger Woods Foundation, the AT&T National pays tribute to the armed forces. On the grounds of Aronimink, just before the main entrance to the course, is a massive board that allows attendees to sign their name and a message for all of the troops serving at home and abroad. Hundreds of people have signed the wall, including some of the participants in the tournament and even Woods himself. 

While some say the pull of the star athletes may have been lacking, the volunteer corps of the tournament remains prepared for whatever the weekend has to offer. Volunteers are strategically positioned throughout the course, though each hole has volunteers from specific golf clubs from around the area. The 18th hole, for example, has volunteers from the Aronimink Golf Club. 

"It's a little slow today, but I don't think the rain was helping," said Dave Yost, an Aronimink member and long-time volunteer. "We'll be back to normal for the weekend."

The volunteers may have been ready to tackle the weekend crowds, but some in attendance Tuesday planned to watch the tournament on TV over the weekend. Bill Schmidt, a Montgomeryville native, and his wife Peggy are avid fans of golf and golfers themselves, but decided they would be watching the tournament from indoors over the weekend. 

"I kind of like to watch it on TV," Peggy Schmidt said. Her husband nodded and added, "The refrigerator is real close."

There were just as many opinions about who would win the tournament as there were people in attendance Tuesday. Some hoped for a repeat by British golfer Justin Rose, who won the tournament last year.

Others hoped for long-time golfer and West Chester native Jim Furyk to break out of his slump and come out on top. It looks as though fans will wait for good golf and great weekend weather to sort out the winner.