Almost 80 million people could be peeking into one of Kauai’s prettiest backyards tonight, thanks in large part to Tiger Woods being there. Woods, closer to being unbeatable than any other golfer in the world, and with the star-power to
Almost 80 million people could be peeking into one of Kauai’s prettiest
backyards tonight, thanks in large part to Tiger Woods being there.
Woods,
closer to being unbeatable than any other golfer in the world, and with the
star-power to match, is the main reason Turner Network Television (TNT) will
broadcast the PGA Grand Slam of Golf today and tomorrow from, as some TV
announcer will probably say, “beautiful Po’ipu Bay Golf Course on the Hawaiian
island of Kaua’i.”
TNT says its telecasts can reach more than 77 million
homes in the U.S. Even if their TVs aren’t tuned to Tiger’s tale, the Grand
Slam will still be on in more than 99 other countries. Such is the
international appeal of Woods and golf.
No other regular event on Kaua’i
brings so much worldwide attention to Kaua’i nor, quite likely, any other part
of Hawai’i. None are involved in such a handsome donation to Kaua’i Junior Golf
Association – $15,000 this year from the PGA Tour. The Grand Slam’s spectators
and contingent of PGA officials and media also pumps up the business of hotels,
restaurants and stores.
The Grand Slam hasn’t always been on Kaua’i. It was
staged on both of America’s east and west coasts (Rochester, N.Y. and La
Quinta, Calif.) and the heartland (Hawthorn Woods, Ill.) before settling here
the last seven years. And based on the glowing comments of Will Mann, president
of PGA of America (he says the course and Hyatt Regency Kaua’i Resort and Spa
are “one of the most successful settings ever”), here it will stay.
Good
for you, Kaua’i.