"We were behind budget and then they picked Tiger and it sold out overnight."

There was an interesting assertion made by Celtic Manor Director of Golf Jim McKenzie in Bill Dwyre's LA Times Ryder Cup preview.

"We will have 45,000 people a day, for the three practice days starting Tuesday and the three competition days," McKenzie says, by phone from Wales.

He says that sellout is a recent happening.

"We were behind budget," McKenzie says, "and then they picked Tiger and it sold out overnight."

Tiger, of course, is Tiger Woods, and if any question remains as to who still drives the bus in golf, McKenzie's testimonial should end that. Ticket prices are $880 (with clubhouse access) and $660, giving access to all six days. For discussion, if all tickets sold at $880, that would generate $39.6 million. That's a nice payday for PGA and European golf charities, especially since the players don't get paid.

Corey Pavin, U.S. team captain, who made Woods one of his four captain's picks, was surprised that ticket sales didn't boom until after he tabbed Tiger.

"That's not why I picked him," Pavin said.