My 10- and 8-year old kids occasionally watch golf with me on television, and they recognize a few top players. Tiger Woods, though, is the one they are most interested in. So when Tiger's tournament, otherwise known as the AT&T National, came to Congressional Country Club in the Washington, D.C. suburbs this week, I asked if they wanted to go. They did.

Once we got on the grounds, they asked every 10 minutes or so when we would see Tiger Woods. I explained that he didn't tee off for several hours, but the questions persisted. About an hour before his tee time, we spotted Tiger on the putting green, and watched him for 15 minutes.

About two hours later, we watched Tiger play one hole as part of gallery that was four deep around the entire hole before leaving.

Asked on the car ride home what they thought of their first golf tournament, both kids mentioned they liked seeing Tiger Woods in person.

It's no wonder that all tournaments want Tiger in their field. When he plays, tournament attendance and television ratings are much higher then when he's not competing. For me, though, the fact that he has helped spark an interest in golf with my kids is much more meaningful.

As the ultimate golf prodigy, Tiger went out of his way to ensure as many kids as possible could attend his tournament by letting all kids 12 and under in for free. There's nothing like seeing a tournament in person, and I have a feeling that after this experience, it will be easier to both get them to another tournament and to consider joining me when I go to the practice range.

Thanks Tiger.