The impact of Tiger Woods' presence at next week's PGA Tour Honda Classic has exceeded tournament officials' expectations to "such an extent that officials are considering halting weekend ticket sales to the Bear Trap (near holes 16 and 17) and perhaps for weekend general admission, too," according to Greg Stoda of the PALM BEACH POST. Tournament Exec Dir Ken Kennerly said, "It's something we're studying as a possibility. We want to make sure it's as enjoyable an experience as possible for everyone who attends." Stoda notes the tournament "drew 111,000 fans last year," and with Woods in the field, attendance "could soar to something beyond 160,000." Kennerly said, "We were ready, so we haven't been overwhelmed, but Tiger's impact has exceeded our very high expectations." Woods' decision to participate "means tournament officials must make adjustments in areas ranging from security to concessions to transportation." Kennerly: "We'll make sure extra security attention is paid to entry points away from the main gate and along the perimeter of the course. We don't want anyone jumping a fence to get in." The visibility of the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department "will be increased," and a private firm will be "involved in providing security." Tournament officials "are anticipating" a 30% increase in food and beverage sales, and new grandstands have been "added to the areas at the first tee and ninth green." Signage has also been "increased on and off site to lessen traffic congestion and facilitate spectator routing once fans are on" the tournament's grounds (PALM BEACH POST, 2/22). Kennerly said that the tournament "already was expanding before Tiger decided to throw his golf cap into the ring." Kennerly: "It has been a growing tournament … growing every year. Until Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. when we learned Tiger was committing, we were extremely proud of the field we were rolling out and the energy level we have in the community. There is more buzz about the Honda Classic than there ever has been" (MIAMI HERALD, 2/22).
