It's also the year's final major, one of the four championships Woods needs to win for his season -- he already has four PGA TOUR wins and the top spot on the money list -- to be considered a success.

Woods is never better than when he has a score to settle, and his beef at Bridgestone was with one of his two playing partners, Rory Sabbatini. In a statement that's as close as golfers get to woofing, Sabbatini lost a one-stroke lead to Woods in the final round of the Wachovia Championship in early May and said a few days later, "the funny thing is after watching him play on Sunday, I think he's more beatable than ever."

All contestants in the Championship (except international players) must be PGA members. A contestant must be eligible as of the closing date for entries unless an exception is made by the Chairman.

1. All former PGA Champions
2. The last five US Open Champions (2003 through 2008)
3. The last five Masters Champions (2003 through 2008)
4. The last five British Open Champions (2003 through 2008)
5. Current PGA Seniors' Champion (2008)
6. The 15 low scorers and ties in the 2006 PGA Championship
7. The 20 low scorers in the 2008 PGA Professional National Championship (formerly CPC)
8. The 70 leaders in official money standings from the 2006 International through the 2008 Canadian Open
9. Members of the 2006 United States Ryder Cup Team
10. Winners of tournaments co-sponsored or approved by the PGA TOUR from the 2006 PGA Championship to the 2008 PGA Championship (does not include Pro-Am and Team competitions).

In addition, the PGA reserves the right to invite additional players not included in the categories listed above.