By Fletcher Mackel

    First things first, Tiger Woods does not like or care about New Orleans.
I know that sounds harsh but it's the honest truth and everyone should accept it.
    Since turing pro in 1997, the world's best golfer has never ventured to the PGA tour stop in New Orleans. Personally, I gave up on hoping for Tiger in 2006 when he declined to play in New Orleans eight months after Hurricane Katrina. That year, the best players in the world came to our city to help rebuild in any way possible. Guys like
Phil Mickelson volunteered and even donated his winnings from the event to local charities.
    Tiger was a no-show.
    What Mr. Woods doesn’t realize is that he’s missing one hell of a party!
    “Our event features all the food, music and culture that makes New Orleans one of the greatest cities in the world,” says Zurich Classic of New Orleans President Tommy Fonseca.
    Free concerts each day when the golf wraps up, great restaurants serving signature New Orleans dishes sprinkled all over the course and championship golf.
    Speaking of the golf, New Orleans could be considered the birthplace of champion golfers.
    Our cities event has crowned 19 first time PGA winners, many of whom have used their success in New Orleans as a launching pad for rewarding careers on tour. Take for example, 2007 Zurich Classic winner Nick Watney. When the then 25-year-old Fresno State University graduate won his first event in NOLA, most peoples' response was...who?
    Less than two years later, Watney is one of the most promising players on tour having won the 2009 Buick Invitational and being one of the top five money winners on tour. “We’re excited to have Nick back in our event; he’s having tremendous success and is arguably the hottest player in the game right now. We wish him success and are confident he’ll win again before our event or at this year’s Zurich Classic” said Fonseca.
    The 2009 Zurich features ten of the top 20 money winner on tour and over 40 player who have won at least one tournament.
    The fan favorite in this year’s event is of course David Toms.  The former LSU All American won in New Orleans in 2001 and always draws the biggest crowds.
    Toms pulled out of the 2008 Zurich due to back problems and playing in front of the home crowd could be just what the Shreveport resident needs to get his game back on track. The 42 year old Toms has not won on tour since 2006.
    Great golf, cool people, amazing food, awesome live concerts....locals ‘in the know’ know that the Zurich Classic of New Orleans is truly one of our citiy's treasures.