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The PGA Tour’s West Coast Swing is the annual start to a long season, and some players skip events with that in mind. This year could be different, however, because of the FedEx Cup series, a new feature where players earn points at PGA Tour events. Participation will be important because making cuts means earning points. Those points accrue, with the top 144 players through the Carolina Classic at Greensboro advancing to a playoff series that will culminate at the Tour Championship. “We think the new FedEx Cup might add some excitement because more players might consider playing in more events than usual,” said Nissan Open director Tom Pulchinski. Of the three events in Southern California — the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, Buick Invitational and Nissan Open — the Hope could benefit the most because its 90-hole format that includes slow rounds with celebrities has turned off some players in the past. The Nissan Open, which is scheduled before the Accenture Match Play Championship being held this year outside Tucson, Ariz., attracts top players because of its venue, and with the U.S. Open coming to Torrey Pines next year, the Buick Invitational will probably have top players competing so they can get a better look at the course. Here’s a closer look at the three tournaments in our area: Bob Hope Chrysler Classic January 15-21, Classic Club, Bermuda Dunes, La Quinta, PGA West Purse: $5 million. Last year: Chad Campbell took the lead in the second round and never faltered, winning his third Tour title by three strokes. Tidbits: The arrival of George Lopez as host will inject the proceedings with new energy. … All five rounds will be televised by The Golf Channel. … Phil Mickelson loves the event, winning twice and posting top-12 finishes every year since 2002. … The Classic Club is the host course and organizers are hoping the venue’s clubhouse will be finished before the event starts. … Last year, Pat Perez fired an opening-round 60 at the Palmer Private Course to become the 20th player in PGA Tour history to shoot 60 or below. Perez finished 73rd. … David Duval shot a 59 at the same course in 1999. … Tiger Woods has never played the tournament. … The event has raised nearly $42 million in charitable donations since its inception. Schedule: Celebrities play Bermuda Dunes the first day, followed by La Quinta Country Club, the Palmer Private Course at PGA West and the Classic Club. Sunday’s final round, played by professionals only, is at the Classic Club. Tickets: $25 daily, $75 for the week. More information: (760) 346-6329. Buick Invitational January 22-28, Torrey Pines Golf Course Purse: $5.1 million. Last year: Tiger Woods drained an 8-foot birdie putt to force a playoff with Nathan Green and Jose Marie Olazabal, who missed a 4-foot putt on the second playoff hole to give Woods his fourth Buick Invitational title. Tidbits: Buick has extended its sponsorship through 2010, ensuring at least an 18-year run. … The event was the third-highest-rated golf tournament on TV last year, trailing only the Masters and the U.S. Open. ... The list of recent winners is impressive, with Woods, Olazabal, John Daly, Phil Mickelson, Davis Love III and Mark O’Meara all winning in the past 10 years. ... Torrey Pines hosts the U.S. Open in 2008, meaning the field this year and next should attract top international players. … Last year, Olazabal, Sergio Garcia, Luke Donald, Stuart Appleby, Aaron Baddeley, Thomas Levet, Tim Clark, Carl Pettersson and Bernhard Langher all played. … Nearly half of the 54-hole leaders in the event’s 51-year history have gone on to win the event. … Last year’s third-round leader, Garcia, faltered with a final-round 75. Schedule: Practice rounds Monday and Tuesday; pro-am Wednesday; tournament play on North and South courses Thursday and Friday; final two rounds on the South Course. Tickets: Tuesday, $15-$16; Wednesday-Friday, $19-$23; Saturday-Sunday, $24-$30. Weekly badges, $90-$100. Senior and youth discounts available. More information: (619) 281-4653. Nissan Open February 12-18, Riviera Country Club Purse: $5.2 million. Last year: Leading by four strokes heading into the final round, Rory Sabbatini nearly collapsed, needing a 45-foot putt on the 18th hole to save par and avoid a playoff with Adam Scott, who shot a final-round 64. Tidbits: Tiger Woods is 0-9 at the Nissan and didn’t finish last year’s event because of illness. He would love to add this trophy to his collection. … The tournament precedes the World Golf Championships, so look for some top international players to show up at Riviera. … Since Nick Faldo’s 1997 victory, only three U.S.-born players have won the event: Billy Mayfair in 1998, Kirk Triplett in 2000 and Len Mattiace in 2002. … Fred Couples has posted 12 top-10 finishes, including two victories, in 25 appearances. … To avoid traffic and parking hassles, park at the VA hospital (I-405 and West Wilshire Boulevard) and take the shuttle. ... Amstel Light is the official beer of the tournament. Schedule: Practice rounds Monday and Tuesday, a pro-am Wednesday and tournament rounds Thursday-Sunday. Tickets: $25 daily, $80 for the week. Discounts available for senior citizens and children. More information: (800) 752-OPEN. |
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