Columnist Victoria Sun: Even without Tiger, event was a success

Victoria Sun

Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2001 | 10:08 a.m.

Victoria Sun's golf column appears Wednesday. Reach her at 259-4078 or by e-mail at victoria@lasvegassun.com.

So Tiger Woods didn't magically appear at the $4.5 million Invensys Classic that wrapped up Sunday afternoon when missed birdie putts by Tom Lehman and Rory Sabbatini gave Bob Estes a one-stroke victory.

To date, Woods has played in 18 events -- including this week's National Car Rental Classic at Walt Disney World -- and has already earned more than $5.5 million.

Determining if and when he will ever return to play in Las Vegas' PGA Tour stop, the site of his first PGA Tour victory, has proved to be as difficult as figuring out Carl Everett, or Christina Aguilera's choice of hair styles.

And certainly much harder than finding out Where's Waldo?

For security purposes and simply because he can, Woods will not reveal which tournaments he is playing until the very last minute, leaving tournament managers waiting patiently by their phones the Friday afternoon before an event starts -- the deadline for players to enter.

Apparently, no such call was made to Invensys Classic tournament director Charlie Baron.

And, surprise, the tournament continued as scheduled.

Of course it would have been thrilling to watch Woods turn the TPC at Summerlin, TPC at the Canyons and Southern Highlands into miniature golf courses.

Even more interesting, perhaps, to see Woods' patience tested by gawking amateurs.

But this year's event had its own drama, albeit on a lesser scale.

There was the resurgence of Fred Couples, John Daly and Lehman topped off by the improbable victory by Estes, thanks in part to the unraveling of Scott McCarron in the final round.

Numerous fans gathered around the 16th green and many other holes, cheering on their favorites.

The always colorful Jesper Parnevik made his first appearance, much to the delight of hoards of autograph seekers, who waited patiently for him to exit the scoring tent.

When Woods is ready and willing, he may play here again.

Until then, there are others who will.

The Wendy's Three-Tour Challenge has raised more than $7 million for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Representing the Senior PGA Tour will be Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Fuzzy Zoeller. Fred Couples, John Daly and Mark Calcavecchia will represent the PGA Tour. The LPGA will be represented by Dottie Pepper, Annika Sorenstam and Karrie Webb. For information call: 564-1600.