The question asked most frequently about the 1997 MCI Classic went down to the wire, but extra time did not make the answer any better for golf fans on Hilton Head Island.

Tiger Woods will not be playing at Harbour Town next week.

The 21-year-old phenom, who has become the most popular player on the PGA Tour in his first full season, did not commit to the MCI field by the tournament's 5 p.m. Friday deadline. He had said each day since Tuesday of this week that he was undecided if he would make the trip to Hilton Head Island and Friday refused to comment on his decision.

The only way Woods can play at Harbour Town now is to win this weekend's Masters Tournament and take advantage of a loophole granted the champion. The winner each week on the PGA Tour is given until one hour after the completion of play to enter the following week's field.

``Yeah, I'm disappointed because there was a lot of anticipation that he might play here,'' said MCI Classic tournament director Mike Stevens. ``Our phones have literally been ringing off the hook at times with people wanting to know if he was coming. Fans were really anxious to see Tiger and see how Tiger would play Harbour Town.

``But one player does not make a tournament, and we're still going to have the quality field we always have at Harbour Town.''

Even without Woods and Greg Norman, who also is skipping the Heritage this year, the field at Harbour Town next week will be among the strongest this season outside of the major championships.

Among the players scheduled to compete are 24 of the top 30 on the 1997 PGA Tour money list and 10 of the 13 winners of this year's Tour events. Three of last year's major championship winners - Nick Faldo, Tom Lehman and Steve Jones - also have committed.