Graeme McDowell is trying to earn his way back home and into The Open

MEDINAH, Ill. – Tiger Woods won the 1999 and 2006 PGA Championships at Medinah No. 3, but he’ll need something extraordinary to achieve a victory of a different type this week. He had just shot a 5-under 67 at the BMW Championship when he was asked what it might take for him to reach next week’s 30-man TOUR Championship at East Lake. “I shoot 60, it should be right,â€� he said. The assembled press laughed, but at 7 under and far behind the leaders, Woods probably wasn’t far from the truth. He needs no worse than a solo 11th place finish to move from 38th to inside the top 30 in the FedExCup. Related: Leaderboard | Projected FedExCup standings | How to make the final 30 Alas, he was projected to drop a few spots even after his first bogey-free round since last year’s third round at the BMW Championship. Playing alongside Dustin Johnson (72), he tallied just 27 putts, his fewest of the week, and was six-for-six in scrambling. “I figured I’m going to have to do something in mid-60s for two straight days there,â€� Woods said. “Left myself pretty far behind after the first two rounds. What’s more amazing is how many guys are under par on this golf course. There isn’t one person over-par. “Who would have guessed that going into this week?â€� he continued. “We all thought this was one of the more tough and bigger ballparks and the whole field is playing well. There’s normally a few guys that are struggling. The entire field playing well is something that we’re all pretty surprised at.â€� Woods has limited his starts since winning the Masters Tournament in April, and had admitted to fatigue. He withdrew from THE NORTHERN TRUST with an oblique strain after an opening-round 75, and limited himself to just nine holes of practice before the start of the BMW. Some days, he said, are better than others, health-wise. Getting the club in the right positions through the swing helps, but it works the other way around, too. Feeling better also helps him get the club in the right positions. He never knows how he’ll feel from day-to-day. “I’m going to have some difficulties here and there,â€� he said. “I got to fight through it and be patient with it.â€� East Lake has been on his mind because it was the site of his historic 80th victory a year ago, his first PGA TOUR victory in over five years. It’s going to take something special to get back. At the very least, he said, he was pleased to keep a clean card Saturday. “I didn’t do that the first two days (71-71),â€� he said. “I made some really stupid mistakes out there. Didn’t hit the ball close when I needed to and I missed some easy putts for par or birdie. This was nice to at least give myself a chance to make it to next week.â€�

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The PGA TOUR is focused on improving the golf experience, and we’re putting direct fan feedback at the heart of this effort. The Fan Council is a community of real fans from all over the world helping the TOUR make key decisions by being the voice that represents what fans really want. Once in the council, members serve as a sounding board for new ideas, and they collaborate with the TOUR to test-drive new products before they’re available to anyone else. The Fan Council is an avenue for fans to provide feedback directly to the TOUR and have their voice heard. It’s where the TOUR not only looks for feedback, but also encourages fans to share their ideas that can make golf better. To take advantage of this unique opportunity to get involved, click the link below: Join the PGA TOUR Fan Council A note from the Commissioner At the PGA TOUR, no voice has more weight and value than that of our fans. That’s why the PGA TOUR Fan Council – each of you – is so important. We know there’s room to improve, and we’re ready to listen.   Every employee, player, partner and fan is thankful for your passion and dedication to the game. I hope you enjoy your experience, and I look forward to hearing your recommendations on how we can make good on our mission to put Fans First.     – PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan FAQ Q. What kind of activities will I be participating in? A. You’ll be able to interact with the PGA TOUR through the Fan Council website by participating in digital surveys, online forums, polls and other online experiences. We’ll also have several opportunities throughout the year to meet the team at PGA TOUR events and participate in focus groups and other activities at live events. Q. How much does it cost to join the PGA TOUR Fan Council? A. Nothing; it is free to join. We just ask that you actively participate in the council by providing your feedback when requested. Q. What do members receive for participating? A. Official PGA TOUR Fan Council members have the unique opportunity to speak directly to the PGA TOUR. Members also get the chance to see new products and experiences before they’re available to golf fans everywhere. In addition, the Fan Council runs sweepstakes and featured member giveaways periodically. Q. How long can you be a member of the PGA TOUR Fan Council? A. Members can always remain on the council, as long as they actively participate by providing feedback when requested. Q. Who is eligible to join the PGA TOUR Fan Council? A. For consideration, any new members should be at least 18 years of age and be interested in improving the golf experience. Q. My friend/family member should be a member; how do I recommend them for the PGA TOUR Fan Council? A. Anyone who is interested in becoming a member can submit a request here (www.pgatourfancouncil.com) by clicking the “Interested in joining?â€� button. Q. How often can I expect to provide feedback? A. While not every member receives every survey, members can expect to participate in roughly two activities per month.

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