Central Coast News KION/KCBAPro AM Golf Tournament To Hit Record Numbers

PEBBLE BEACH - Pro-golfers and organizers said the big AT&T National Pro AM golf tournament is scoring record numbers despite the below average weather.

"It's been a great day," said Steve Worthy, president of the Monterey Peninsula Foundation. "We've set a cap of just over 35,000  maximum attendance number and we're very confident we came close to that number if not exceeded it."

Worthy said last year about 136,000 people turned out and he anticipates more this year despite the on and off rainy weather.

"We will certainly beat that number. We could be 150, 160, obviously tomorrow will be a big determinant of the final numbers," he said.

Scoring big numbers on charities and also on the golf courts, Tiger Woods has been one of the biggest attractions as crowds of people swarmed to get a glimpse of him.

"I scored well today," Woods said. "I didn't hit the ball particularly well compared to the last two days, but I made a few more puts, just really scored well."

Woods is making his comeback to the tournament after 10 years and seemed to feel right at home again.

Crowds of people made their way from hole to hole as they covered themselves from getting wet.

Many people said they wouldn't miss the biggest day of the tournament.

"It's a fantastic turnout," said Notah Begay, pro-golfer. "This is what all the celebrities do and of course when Tiger plays well the people seem to get excited. After all he's been through, it's nice to see him back on top of the leader board."

Woods came out swinging early, shooting five birdies in a six-hole stretch in his round.

He goes in Sunday's match right behind Charlie Wi, who is 15 under, and Ken Duke, who is 12 under.