Denis Watson eager to defend Boeing Classic title

The man who made history in a historic playoff at the TPC at Snoqualmie Ridge last year is dealing with a knee injury, but still is determined to try to defend his title next month.

"I'd have to not be able to walk to not play," said Denis Watson, who won a seven-man playoff last year in the Boeing Classic, a PGA Champions Tour event. It remains the largest playoff in any PGA Tour-sanctioned tournament.

Watson visited Snoqualmie Ridge Monday to promote this year's $1.7 million tournament, which is set for Aug. 22-24. He recalled how he blew a two-stroke lead with a splashdown double bogey on the par-3 17th hole, then recovered to win.

The Rhodesian-born Watson quipped to his fellow playoff competitors when he arrived at the 18th tee: "OK, you all, say 'thank you' because none of you should be here."

On the first overtime trip up the par-5 18th, Watson chipped in from 23 feet for birdie to stay alive against Craig Stadler and R.W. Eaks. On the second extra trip, he won the tournament with a 20-foot eagle putt.

Among the players who have committed to play in the tournament are Andy Bean, Chip Beck, John Cook, Ben Crenshaw, Scott Hoch, Tom Kite, Bernhard Langer, Sandy Lyle, Nick Price, Mike Reid, Scott Simpson, Jeff Sluman, Stadler, Dave Stockton and Jim Thorpe.

Tournament chairman Chuck Nelson said talks are continuing with other players, including Fred Funk, Hale Irwin and Mark O'Meara.

Notes

• Curtis Strange, who had an angry encounter with a heckling fan last year at Snoqualmie Ridge, hasn't committed to play this year. Nelson said there have been "conversations" with Strange and added, "We're optimistic."

• Jeff Coston, one of the Northwest's top over-50 golfers, has accepted a sponsor's exemption to play.

• Among the former NFL stars committed to play in the Northwest Ford Stores Rumble at the Ridge on Monday, Aug. 18, are Kellen Winslow and Earl Morrall.

• Tournament admission will be free to Boeing employees and retirees.