Singh defends Lumber Classic crown against tough field

Defending champion Vijay Singh will face a strong field that includes three of the top five money earners on the PGA Tour when the 84 Lumber Classic tees off.

Singh, who is seeking to defend a title for the third time in 2005, will be joined in the US$4.4 million tournament by other top earners Phil Mickelson, David Toms and Jim Furyk.

In 2004, Singh came into this event having won the Deutsche Bank Championship and Bell Canadian Open and his victory here made him the first player since Tiger Woods in 2001 to win three straight starts.

This year, Singh missed the Deutsche Bank with back spasms and never could mount a serious threat and finished tied for seventh at the Canadian Open. In this event last season, Singh shot a final round 69 to hold off a hard-charging Stewart Cink by one shot for his first career wire-to-wire victory.

Ten golfers in the field, including the International team's Stuart Appleby, Peter Lonard and Singh, are tuning up for next week's Presidents Cup in Virginia. Woods, who leads the PGA Tour with five victories, including two majors, is not entered here.

Also in the field are Fred Couples, John Daly and Mark Calcavecchia who won his first tour title in four years last week at the Bell Canadian Open despite managing just one birdie in his final 36 holes.

A hefty $792,000 first prize is at stake, but as is always the case on the PGA Tour, charity comes away as the big winner. PGA Tour players have been asked to donate a portion of their earnings to the U.S. Golf Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund, and the 84 Lumber Classic will be collecting donations from spectators, volunteers and tournament staff, as well.

Mickelson is playing in the 84 Lumber Classic for the first time. He has pledged his entire paycheck - or $250,000, whichever is higher - to the relief effort. Mickelson, who has already won four times in 2005, currently ranks third on the Tour money list.

PGA Tour Golf Game Odds: SportsInterAction

Odds to win 2005 Lumber Classic:

Vijay Singh 6.00

Phil Mickelson 9.00

Jim Furyk 19.00

Chris DiMarco 19.00

David Toms 21.00

Prediction: DiMarco has been in superb form lately and if he can continue his steady drive and putting, the American should win this tournament.

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