Tiger factor on players' minds at Congressional

BETHESDA, Maryland (Reuters) - The absence of tournament host Tiger Woods from this week's AT&T National while he continues his recovery from reconstructive knee surgery has given many of his peers extra incentive.

World number one Woods triumphed four times in just six starts on the PGA Tour before cancelling his playing schedule for the season, automatically providing fresh opportunities for others to visit the winner's circle.

"I think make hay while the weather is good," Australian Stuart Appleby told reporters on the eve of Thursday's opening round at Congressional Country Club."

Asked whether the absence of Woods was significant in itself or simply one less player for the field to beat, Appleby replied: "Both.

"I'm trying to post a low score and win and maybe that puts me four shots in front or maybe that puts me five behind, one week to the next.

"Having Tiger here, there is a fractional percentage of he's now potentially winning it (the tournament). Without him, it makes my life a little bit easier."

American world number seven Steve Stricker agreed the absence of Woods was a major benefit to the rest of the field.

"I guess we've all got the opportunity to take this and run with it if we can play well," the four-times PGA Tour winner said. "It's up to the guy who is going to play well."

However, Stricker said he would not change his approach to the week simply because Woods was not in the field.

PAYING ATTENTION

"I just try to worry about my own game and try to pay attention to myself and play as best as I can," added Stricker who was voted the 2007 PGA Tour comeback player of the year for the second season in a row.

"It's not very often that you can beat him but you can beat him every once in a while. You have to play well to win here no matter who is up there, whether it's Tiger or anybody else."

Tour veteran and Maryland native Fred Funk conceded this week's event would have a very different feel for the players.

"There's a different focus when he's there," the 52-year-old American said. "I would say almost every guy down the field will want to be curious on what Tiger shot during the day or how he's doing during the round.

"The atmosphere, because of the attention the media draws or that Tiger draws with the media and the public, it's a much bigger deal when he's there.

"One thing that's a little different with this one is Tiger is the host and you know he wants to win his own tournament. It was hard for him to hand the trophy over to K.J. last year. I think he's going to come back with a vengeance next year."

South Korean Choi clinched the inaugural AT&T National by three shots before receiving the winner's trophy from Woods.

(Writing by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Los Angeles; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)