Humana Challenge Preview & Groups To Watch
The PGA Tour
arrives in California this week for its first event on the mainland. Big names headline the Humana Challenge, formerly known as the Bob Hope Classic, as Jhonattan Vegas looks to defend his 2011 title.
Johnson Wagner is the only 2012 winner to enter the field this week. Steve Stricker, who won the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, is not in the field. Wagner is joined by several PGA Tour stars making their debuts this week including Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Matt Kuchar, and Anthony Kim. Dustin Johnson is the highest ranked player in the field (8th) while Kuchar (11th) and Mickelson (15th) sit just outside the top 10 in the Official World Golf Rankings. Mickelson is looking for win number 40 on the PGA Tour at an event he has won twice (2002 & 2004).
Three Groups To Watch at The Humana Challenge
3. Greg Norman & Scott McCarron: I'm not sure if "The Shark" is in this as a celebrity or as a golfer but either way I'll watch him play. In his first start here since 1986 (I was 5), I would love for Norman to somehow pull out a victory here. I don't know how much longer we get to watch him play so I'll enjoy it every time he is in the field. McCarron will be looking for his first victory since the Bell South Classic in 2001. Playing with Norman could give him the boost he needs to get going again.
2. Camilo Villegas & Anthony Kim: To say these guys had disappointing 2011 seasons may be an understatement. Kim made the cut in 14 of 26 events last year and finished in the top 10 twice. He missed the cut at The Masters, The PLAYERS, and PGA Championship but did finish 5th at the British Open. I want to see if he can rebound in 2012. Villegas started 2011 on a DQ and his year didn't improve much from there. He made 14 cuts and finished 3rd at the FedEx St. Jude Classic. He has the talent and hopefully 2012 is a better year for him.
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