Players Test Drive Torrey Pines at the Buick

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson stepped up to the first tee on their respective courses at 6:42 a.m. this morning. The rising sun over Torrey Pines GC marked the dawning of the Buick Invitational’s practice round as well as the world’s best two golfers’ 2008 seasons. While Woods and Mickelson tuned up for the event they’ve dominated this decade (six wins in the last eight years), the rest of the practice field, including San Diegans Kevin Stadler, Pat Perez, John Mallinger, Chris Riley and Charley Hoffman, got a sneak preview of the U.S. Open’s host site.

During a candid interview following his round, Woods refused to back off earlier comments posted on his Web site that a true Grand Slam is within his reach this year. He declined to acknowledge his familiarity with the ’08 majors’ venues as a source of his confidence. Instead, Woods cited the progression of his game and his history of usually winning more than four tournaments a year as the basis of his optimism. But even he quipped that a bit of luck is needed for the feat.

Mickelson, though, hasn’t thought too much about the majors, focusing instead on getting healthy and getting on the course Thursday. Mickelson announced Tuesday that he was feeling better and would make his 8:50 a.m. tee time on the North Course’s 10th hole. He has been working with swing coach Butch Harmon and says he’s looking forward to making sure everything is in order for this week.

While Mickelson and Woods enjoyed a warm, sunny practice round this morning, the ominous clouds moved on shore in the early afternoon, foreshadowing the weather in store for Thursday and Friday. The temperatures dropped quickly, the wind picked up and a few sprinkles fell as the last players were finishing up their rounds.

As the players wrapped up their practice rounds and headed to the clubhouse early in the afternoon, they were briefed with the sad news that long-time PGA Tour caddie Steve Duplantis was struck and killed by a car in Del Mar early this morning. The revered Duplantis, 35, was Eric Axley’s caddie and in San Diego for the Buick Invitational. PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem expressed the tour’s sadness at the news and extended condolences to Duplantis’ family and friends in a prepared written statement.

Tournament Notes:
The grandstands on the South Course’s 18th surround the entire green and even 30 yards of fairway leading up to the water hazard. Large, electronic flatscreen scoreboards are visible from any seat. The rough is deep throughout the course and could handcuff some players. The greens played very slow throughout the day. Amateur Jamie Lovemark of Rancho Santa Fe tees off at 9:30 a.m. on the South Course’s first tee Thursday. Peter Cambell of Encinitas tees of at 9:20 a.m. on the South Course’s 10th tee and Justin Hicks of San Diego tees off in the last grouping at 10:30 a.m. on the South Course’s 10th tee. Continue to check back with XK San Diego Golf News for Buick Invitational updates throughout the week.-John Connelly