Durzblog

The PGA Tour will make its 57 consecutive appearance in Connecticut when play begins in Cromwell this Thursday. The rebuilt course (1991), brand new practice range (2008), solid sponsorship and place in the FedEx Cup Series have led to stronger fields in the event -- pretty impressive seeing as this tournament did not even have a place anywhere on the tour schedule two years ago until the Lumber 84 Classic ended its relationship with the PGA.

Even with smaller crowds of late, the former GHO, remains the second biggest draw on tour. If the weather cooperates, the strong field will likely lead to roughly 200,000 spectators this week.

The past 10 champions:
2008 Stewart Cink
2007 Hunter Mahan
2006 J. J. Henry
2005 Brad Faxon
2004 Woody Austin
2003 Peter Jacobsen
2002 Phil Mickelson
2001 Phil Mickelson
2000 Notah Begay III
1999 Brent Geiberger

Big Draws/Favorites for 2009
Sergio Garcia, Kenny Perry, Vijay Singh, Brian Gay, Lucas Glover, Zach Johnson, Anthony Kim, Stuart Appleby, J.J. Henry, Hunter Mahan, Justin Leonard, David Toms, Anthony Kim and defending champion Stewart Cink are among the 156 players competing.

Coverage is Thursday-Sunday from 3-6 on the Golf Channel for 1st and 2nd rounds and CBS over the weekend.

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