The Bob Hope Chrysler Classic tees off tomorrow morning and will spread professional golfers and big-name celebrities over four courses throughout five days of competition. Unfortunately, this tournament has failed to attract the top four players in the world: Vijay Singh, Tiger Woods, Ernie Els,and Retief Goosen. However, if recent trends continue that may be a big mistake since the past two champions, Phil Mickelson and Mike Weir, have gone on to win the Masters. The format for the tournament is different from others on tour due to the large amateur presence. During the first four days, teams of players and amateurs rotate through four different courses. Finally, on Sunday the top 70 professionals “make the cut” to play for the championship at PGA West.
One major point of interest this tournament provides is the entertainment factor of both celebrities and tour professionals. Players such as Corey Pavin, Peter Jacobsen, and Mike Weir have elected to play with high profile celebrities such as Roger Clemens, Maury Povich, and George Lopez despite the distractions and more laid back atmosphere they create. However, others such as Phil Mickelson and Davis Love III prefer not to be paired with celebrities and take advantage of the quieter galleries to maintain their focus. Either way, this tournament provides an unique mixture of great play and entertainment not found anywhere else.
Last year’s champion, Phil Mickelson, has had a less than stellar beginning to his year, finishing T-56 at the Buick Invitational. However, with a field devoid of the top four players, and other big names such as Chris DiMarco, John Daly, and Jim Furyk also struggling, no one in the field has great momentum coming into the tournament. Other notables to watch are Justin Leonard who failed to make the cut last week in his first start since signing with Nike and David Duval who withdrew after a disappointing first-round 79 at the Buick Invitational.
Catch tournament coverage on USA:
Wednesday: 4:00-6:00pm ET
Thursday: 4:00-6:00pm ET
Friday: 4:00-6:00pm ET
ABC covers the weekend action:
Saturday: 3:00-6:00pm ET
Sunday: 3:30-6:00pm ET
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