PGA: Bob Hope Chrysler Classic Preview

[[email protected]]

Justin Leonard is looking to join the list of repeat winners and David Duval is hoping to play a lot better than last year at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.

 

The 2006 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic started today with the first of five rounds. In last year's Bob Hope Chrysler Classic we watched as Justin Leonard, using his new Nike equipment, shot five rounds in the 60s to secure his win over Tim Clark and Joe Ogilvie by three shots. Winners like Stuart Appleby and David Toms (a victor last week) already know the great feeling it is to have secured a win in 2006 and with In and Out Burgers right around the corner we are sure to see Phil Mickelson make his 2006 season debut. This is also the third or nine events in the 2006 West Coast Swing presented by Allianz where currently Stuart Appleby has a 20-point lead over Vijay Singh and David Toms.

 

 

 

The event is also known for attracting top celebrities which gives the tournament an added bonus by watching celebrities and pro mix it up but let's take a look at the rest of the field and see who Justin Leonard is up against this year.

 

Players we won't see this week include Stuart Appleby, Jim Furyk, Vijay Singh or David Toms who are all taking the time off after playing two weeks in Hawaii. Tiger Woods will also not be in attendance, maybe he's still figuring out how to get to 1 Billion in earnings by the time he's 40 or he is working on his "fixer-upper."

 

 

 

Players we will see this week include, Phil Mickelson: As I hinted to above lefty plays well in the southwest, maybe from living and spending so much time in California and Arizona. Last year he finished 12th at the Bob Hope then went on to win back to back at the FBR Open and AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. He's won here two times in the past four years and ran away with the West Coast Swing title in 2005. If you're going to place bets, Mickelson is a safe one to make.

 

 

 

Joe Ogilvie: Joe held the round after Saturday last year but a Sunday charge by Leonard left his tied for second with Tim Clark. Joe played fairly well in last years West Coast Swing so we'll look for him to do well this year.

 

 

 

Tim Clark: Tim finished tied for second with Joe and is another player who does well during the West Coast Swing and is looking to get his 2006 season off to a good start as well.

 

 

 

Olin Browne: Olin had has some good starts this year but needs to finish strong as well in order to get a win in 2006.

 

 

 

Jason Gore: His 2006 season has not gotten off to a good start with finishing last at the Mercedes and missing the cut at the Sony but he has quickly turned into a fan favorite and draws a pretty good crowd. Maybe playing near his home town with lots of friends and family will give him a little boost.

 

 

 

Dare I say it? David Duval: Yes we still think of David despite his struggles these past few years, after all the 1999 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic will always be remembered for champion David Duval's record-tying final round of 59. Many ask "Is he back?", with a final round 63 in last weeks windy Sony Open in Hawaii, your interest has to be peaked.

 

 

 

This year's purse is $5 million with $900,000 going to the winner. The Bob Hope Chrysler Classic will be held in Palm Desert, California on the following courses; Classic Club, Bermuda Dunes Country Club, La Quinta Country Club and PGA WEST. From January 16 - 22, 2006 it can be seen on USA and ABC and heard on XM Radio at the following times:

 

 

 

Wed, 1/18 4-6pm ET USA

Thu, 1/19 4-6pm ET USA

Fri, 1/20 4-6pm ET USA

Sat, 1/21 3-6pm ET ABC

Sun, 1/22 3:30-6:30pm ET ABC

 

Wed, 1/18 12-6pm ET XM 146

Thu, 1/19 12-6pm ET XM 146

Fri, 1/20 12-6pm ET XM 146

Sat, 1/21 12-6pm ET XM 146

Sun, 1/22 1-7pm ET XM 146