The National Going Ahead In DC, Sponsor Or Not

Doug Ferguson's extensive AP notes column this week confirms the PGA Tour will return to Washington DC in 2018, but still not at Congressional as planned contractually.

According to PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, the move to exit that deal was designed to help leave negotiating flexibility.

Why opt out with such certainty of playing in 2018? Monahan said there is no guarantee the National will be played in 2019 and beyond. Being tied to a golf course - even one as storied as Congressional - might limit any negotiations.

''Let's say we didn't renew with Quicken and there was another sponsor and they had a different objective. They wanted to be at a different golf course, a different part of town. They wanted to do something different,'' Monahan said. ''You can't be wed to one golf course that might limit your ability to get a deal done.''

The tournament remains in contact with Quicken Loans, and there are conversations with other potential sponsors.

The Woods Foundation is still expected to be involved.