Rocco Mediate returns to the PGA Tour for the first time since his heartbreaking loss to Tiger Woods in the US Open.

Two weeks ago, Mediate went head-to-head with the world's best player at the year's second major before coming up short in a sudden-death play-off. Woods won his 14th major when he birdied the first extra hole.

Mediate skipped last week's Travelers Championship, won by Stewart Cink, who has not entered this event.

Prior to his surprise showing at Torrey Pines, Mediate tied for sixth at the Memorial. However, the American is still winless this year with two top-10 finishes in 18 events.

Mediate, the 2000 champion of this event, got off to a hot start here last year, taking the lead after the first round following an eight-under-par 64. But he shot 71, 76, 73 over the final three rounds to finish in a tie for 62nd.

The defending champion is Brian Bateman, who made a birdie putt on his final hole last year to win by a shot from Woody Austin, Jason Gore and Justin Leonard, but since winning his first PGA Tour title here, Bateman has managed only two top-25 finishes in his last 25 events.

This year, Bateman has battled a shoulder injury and has made the cut in only six of 16 events in which he has appeared.

Bateman, who has torn cartilage in his left shoulder, has said he may undergo surgery in the next few weeks.

"I came in here similar to how I've come in here last year, struggling a lot," said Bateman, who missed the cut at the Travelers.

"Although I've had injuries this year, last year it was more just trying something new every week and hoping to find that magic. And I'm kind of going into this tournament, just like I did last year, just hoping that I can stay out of my own way and find that magic."