Garcia Leads Players Championship In Tiger's Absence

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (AHN) - There were beautiful conditions for an exciting Players Championship, with blue skies, average humidity and gentle 12 mile per hour winds. Sergio Garcia has taken advantage of this, storming ahead in the first round, shooting seven birdies to give the Spaniard -6 under par.

He enjoys a two shot lead over American Kenny Perry.

And yet, Garcia's name isn't the one being spoke of by the crowds in Flordia and at home. Tiger Woods is, and seems to always be, the talk of the clubhouse - even though Tiger is out of golf with knee surgery. Woods is not expected to return until next month's U.S. Open.

"When he's in the field, that's the first thing you look at on the scoreboard; where does Tiger stand," Phil Mickelson, the defending champion, told the UK Telegraph. Mickelson is currently four shots behind Garcia.

And not just Mickelson has noticed Tiger is gone. TV Ratings are taking a hit as a result of Tiger's omission of the Players Championship.

"The best player in the world, he creates a buzz, a stir," Jim Furyk, 70th ranked player and 2003 US Open Winner, said. "There will be less people and media around and it will be tougher for the (television) producer to figure out who he's going to follow.

"Obviously we miss Tiger," Tim Finchem, Tour commissioner, told ESPN. "Not having the No 1 player in the world here is a frustration."

This tournament is arguably the most popular "sub-Major" tournament in the PGA Tour, offering the greatest purse of any tournament. Over $9.5 million purse will be given out.