Fresh off his disappointing weekend at the U.S. Open in San Francisco, golf's top draw, Tiger Woods, has committed to play in the 2012 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at the South Course of Firestone Country Club. It's rare for Woods to announce his intentions to play in tournament so far in advance -- it's something PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem has begged him to do over the years, so that tournaments can plan ahead and market accordingly. But he rarely obliges, so it was good for Firestone to know well in advance that he'll tune up for the season's final major in Akron yet again this year. Via Cleveland.com:

"This is the earliest Tiger has entered since I've been here," said executive director Don Padgett III, who will oversee the event for the sixth year. "Last year he waited until the Thursday or Friday before, which is his right. But, having him commit early is a plus."

Firestone is of course one of Woods' favorite stops on Tour, with an incredible seven previous victories here. WGC events often draw the top fields in the world in advance of the PGA Championship, and this year should be no different.