Woods seeks fifth straight Grand Slam

By Jaymes Song
Associated Press

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Grand Slam Facts WHAT: 21st annual PGA Grand Slam of Golf WHEN: 9 a.m. today and tomorrow WHERE: Po'ipu Bay Resort Course, Kaua'i (Par 36-36i72, 6,959 yards) PURSE: $1,000,000 ($400,000 first prize) FIELD: Tiger Woods (Masters, U.S. Open), Rich Beem (PGA Championship), and Justin Leonard and Davis Love III (alternates) DEFENDING CHAMPION: Tiger Woods (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001) FORMAT: Stroke play ADMISSION: $20. Children 17-under free with ticket-bearing adult PARKING: Free, with shuttle service available on Po'ipu Bypass Road TV COVERAGE: TNT (Oceanic Cable 17), 6 p.m. HST today, 6 p.m. HST tomorrow RESTRICTIONS: Cameras and autographs not permitted

Justin Leonard, Davis Love III and PGA Champion Rich Beem will try to stop Woods this week from winning his fifth straight Grand Slam title.

"I'm excited about being here again," said Woods, the Masters and U.S. Open champion. "I always have a fantastic time here and I'm sure this year will be no exception."

Woods said he enjoys playing the event at the Po'ipu Bay Golf Course because of the relaxed oceanside setting, warm weather, friendly people and the intimate atmosphere with fans.

The $1 million, 36-hole stroke-play event begins today and is reserved for the winners of the four major championships. With Woods winning a pair of majors and British Open champion Ernie Els dropping out because of scheduling conflicts, Leonard and Love were able to slip in because of their standing on the major championship points list.

"Justin and I are real happy Ernie is not here," Love joked. "We are not disappointed at all."