Among the stormy clouds of a missing Tiger and a groove debate that just won’t seem to go away the stars are about to shine for the PGA Tour in Pacific Palisades, California.In the field highlighted by two-time defending champion Phil Mickelson, world number #3 Steve Stricker, and a bevy of other past champions and major winners, the 2010 Northern Trust Open promises to be a compelling tournament to watch.
As you can see in the pre-tournament photos on GolfWRX.com, the venerable Riviera Country Club sets up as a beautiful backdrop for PGA Tour action. The 7325-yard, par 71 layout is a favorite among the players.
144 players will take to the golf course on Thursday, all seeking the $1,152,000 winner’s share of the $6.4 million dollar purse. It is the richest purse so far in 2010 and the title is also a valued one. Outside of the major championships it is the fourth-oldest event on the PGA Tour, lagging behind only the BMW Championship, the RBC Canadian Open, and the Valero Texas Open. This will be the 84th playing of the Northern Trust Open.
In 2009 Phil Mickelson successfully defended his 2008 title with a one-stroke victory over Steve Stricker. Mickelson had entered the final day with a four stroke lead, struggled through the middle of the round but rallied to make two birdies in the final three holes. That made him the seventh player to defend a title in this event. Prior to that, the last player to do it was Mike Weir in 2003-2004. Weir will also be playing this week.
A shaky final round last week at the Farmer’s Insurance Open brings doubt as to whether Mickelson has a chance at a three-peat this week. Don’t tell lefty that though, after completing play in San Diego he said his game was feeling “not as rusty as it looks” and pointed to his past success in L.A. as a source of excitement.
Other players to keep an eye on include Anthony Kim, Padraig Harrington, Rickie Fowler, Ernie Els, Charles Howell III, Rory Sabbatini, and last week’s winner Ben Crane. And don’t rule out the possibility of great play by a couple of seniors, Michael Allen and Fred couples, who are in fine form as of late.
Golf Channel will be picking up TV coverage starting at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Thursday. CBS will do the weekend duties and Sirius XM satellite radio will provide extensive coverage each day.
Notes:
Kodak Challenge @ the Northern Trust Open
The Kodak Challenge hole at the Northern Trust Open is the Par 4 315-yard #10. In 2009, Kodak Challenge hole #10 at the Northern Trust Open yielded 2 eagles, 116 birdies and 250 pars.
Field – 18 major championship winners with 28 major titles (including three of four from last year). 83 players with 388 PGA TOUR wins. 20 players who won in 2009 or 2010. Players from 14 different countries.
This report provided to GolfWRX.com by Flagstick Golf Magazine (www.flagstick.com)
