The Redskins are weeks away from playing their first NFL game of 2006 but already they're associated with a major U.S. sporting win.

As golf fans now realize, Ben Curtis didn't just win the Booz Allen Classic earlier this week. He overwhelmed the field, winning by five strokes.

On the way to wrapping up his first title since the 2003 British Open at Royal St. George's, Curtis made a strategic change.

On Thursday, he wore a Baltimore Ravens jersey over the Potomac, Maryland course. Following that, he donned the Redskins' burgundy and gold.

The switch was significant, Curtis pointed out at Redskins Park during his stop.

"That first day, when I wore a Ravens shirt, I heard the boos," he admitted. "But then I switched and went with the Redskins' look."

Continued Curtis: "Redskins fans are great. They're all over the country, not just here in D.C."

The Booz Allen winner went on to explain that he has an arrangement with the Reebok company whereby he wears the apparel of the closest NFL team as he competes on the PGA tour.

When he visited Redskins Park, Curtis was presented with a team jersey, bearing the No. 1 and nameplate Curtis, with quarterback Jason Campbell doing the honors.

Subsequently, Curtis and his wife Candace were taken on a tour of Redskins Park by Vinny Cerrato, the team's vice president of football operations.

The golfer and his wife met such Redskins as defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin and fullback Mike Sellers, who were working out at the facility.

In this year's Washington, D.C., area tour stop, Curtis dropped two strokes on Tuesday but won the event nonetheless.

"We hope some of Ben's success rubs off on us this season," Cerrato said.

As he hoisted the winner's trophy, Curtis exhibited a bright burgundy Redskins shirt and visor-style cap.

The TPC at Avenel course proved to be a magical venue for Curtis. So, of course, did his burgundy and gold Redskins attire.

Booz Allen maintains a key relationship with the Redskins as it pertains to the team's Charitable Foundation. Washington Redskins Leadership Council Members for 2006 include Booz Allen Hamilton CEO Ralph W. Shrader.

Following his win earlier this week, Curtis, a native of Ohio, told reporters: "It was just a relief to finally get this done. I've been waiting three years."

Curtis then bowed to course superintendents for their diligent work throughout the event.