Phil Mickelson, Matt Kuchar, Paul Casey and defending champion Emiliano Grillo will be among the 144-player field on Thursday when the PGA Tour opens its 2016-17 schedule with the Safeway Open at the Silverado Resort & Spa's North course in Napa, Calif.
But much of the talk for the past few weeks surrounding the Safeway Open centered on Tiger Woods, who committed to playing in the event last week before withdrawing Monday.
Not even four days in the California wine country and a $6 million purse could entice Woods back from his 14-month injury sabbatical.