The AT&T National Golf Tournament features top PGA professionals. Played at Aronimink, a highly ranked American course, 2010 event will be held in Philadelphia. After two years in Philadelphia, the tournament will return to Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland in July 2012.
The AT&T National is uniquely respected for its vast ties to various charities and its consideration of the American Armed Forces. The event is relatively new, having replaced the International (but it hasn't continued the practice of using the modified Stableford scoring system like its predecessor).
This year's round, despite the possible usual high temperatures, is expected to be impressive. Willow trees and flowers growing wildly around the course like at Bethesda are being planted at Aronimink to honor the past two years dedicated to the troops and a small ceremony will still take place.
Of the many other possible sights for the AT&T National, Aronimink beat-out the Kansas City, Minneapolis and Portland bids'and officials plan to make excessive and grand renovations to the club and course.
In a recent press release, AT&T had this to say about their upcoming National tourney: 'AT&T is continuing its sponsorship of the AT&T National and looking forward to a successful tournament at Aronimink Golf Club [for the next two years]. Philadelphia, we hope, is as thrilled as we are! This is fast becoming a proud tradition.'
For the past three years, members of the United States military have joined together (Fourth of July week at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland) with golf enthusiasts for the AT&T National golf tournament. All military members are admitted for free during the tournament and also provided with a special service.
Washington D.C. area has many inaugural-type events. But, an inaugural Professional Golf Association tournament was new territory. Nonetheless, the area has hosted, regularly, a PGA event for the last quarter-century. The National is held before the British Open and after the U.S. Open to ensure a field of maximum competition.