Hoch Ready To Defend

The PGA Tour’s Michelob Championship tournament kicks off today at Kingsmill Golf Club with a talented field that includes defending champion Scott Hoch.

“I’ve always looked forward to coming here and sweating out some of those impurities that I put in my body during the year,” Hoch said.

The tournament, which normally precedes the British Open and so lacks big-name players, was moved to a later date. And it has gained such players as British Open champion Justin Leonard, Ryder Cup captain Tom Kite and Fred Couples. It still hasn’t drawn Greg Norman, Nick Faldo or even Tiger Woods, but Hoch said he thinks things are looking up.

“From a player’s standpoint, to have this good of a tournament this late in the year is a blessing and I’m looking forward to it,” he said.