Tiger Woods doesn't expect putting woes to last

BETHESDA—

"I haven't done it since '08. We all go through periods where that doesn't happen," Woods said. "Some periods are entire careers. But I think I understand how to win major championships. The key is just giving yourself chances. That's the key, giving yourself opportunities on the back nine on Sunday each and every time. That's one of the reasons Jack was good at it."

Nicklaus might not have been as good a putter late in his career as he was earlier, but he made enough to win two majors at age 40 and become the oldest player to win the Masters at age 46. Woods is still ahead of Nicklaus' pace, but will his magic touch on the greens ever return?

don.markus@baltsun.com

The AT&T National returns to the Congressional Country Club after a two-year absence with a rejuvenated Tiger Woods,a two-time winner on the PGA Tour this year, as its host.

When: Today (Pro-Am), Thursday-Sunday, 72-hole event

Where: Congressional Country Club, Bethesda

Who: A field of 120, led by Woods, Hunter Mahan, Dustin Johnson, amateur Beau Hossler and former Naval Academy player Billy Hurley III

Purse: $ 5 million, $1.16 million to winner

Tickets: $30 for Wednesday and Thursday, $35 Friday-Sunday, $100 for six.

Parking: $10 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, $20 at Rock Spring lot

TV: Golf Channel 3-6 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; CBS 3-6 p.m. on Thursday, 3-6:30 p.m. on Sunday