Golf-Tiger or no Tiger, the show goes on at the Buick

By Steve Keating

GRAND BLANC, Michigan, June 25 (Reuters) - Golf adjusted to life without Tiger Woods on Wednesday as the 50th Buick Open prepared to get underway without the sport's number one attraction.

Woods, who will not play again this season after undergoing knee surgery on Tuesday, had been scheduled to play at the Buick and the tournament is sure to feel his absence.

Warwick Hills has been left with just one golfer ranked among the world's top 20 in the field -- former champion Jim Furyk.

"It's definitely going to take its toll and it's a question we are going to have to answer week-in and week-out," Furyk told reporters.

"I think the events such as this one...or St. Louis where we don't get to very often, with him not in the field it will be difficult for the event.

"I think it will have less impact on tournaments where he didn't play in the past...the British Open or the PGA will still go on.

"It's a definite hit for Warwick Hills and the Buick Open. He's in the mix and won a bunch here," said Furyk.

"It will be difficult but (there's) still going to be a lot of good golf.