Phil Mickelson to start 2013 PGA Tour with Humana Challenge, La Quinta
News just in is that Phil Mickelson intends to launch his 2013 golfing season by taking a swing at the Humana Challenge in La Quinta, California.
The organizers of the tournament were pleased with Mickelson’s decision, jubilant at being named his PGA Tour season start-off choice.
“We're excited about it,” said Humana Challenge Executive Director Bob Marra, at a news conference in La Quinta, on Wednesday.
“He's a two-time winner here ... and he's Phil Mickelson. The legacy Phil has left on our event is undeniable, his popularity among our fans is remarkable. We could not be more pleased to have him start his season with us again”.
Left-handed swinger, Mickelson has had some remarkable moments at the tournament, previously called the Bob Hope Classic.
He won the titles in 2002 and 2004. He now looks to turn the pressure on Mark Wilson, who will be returning to La Quinta to defend the title that he won last January.
The January showdown had, perhaps, been the closest one in Humana’s history yet, with Wilson triumphing at last, courtesy of two shots.
Nevertheless, Mickelson has had an impressive standing here at La Quinta, leading the contest twice, as already mentioned.
Marra has also confirmed that the 2012 FedEx Cup winner and OWGR ninth man, Brandt Snedeker, will also be taking part in the event, giving it the boost in popularity the organizers had been hoping for.
For a number of years, the event had been hosted by Bob Hope as an exclusive event for celebrity participants.
In the 1970s, music icon Frank Sinatra also debuted at the event. The list over the years has included Presidents, like Dwight D. Eisenhower, the first President to tee off there.
In 1995, Bill Clinton, George H. W. Bush, Gerald Ford, Bob Hope, and at the time defending champion Scott Hoch teamed up at the opening event – the pro-am.
The event is scheduled from January 17 to 20 at Coachella Valley, California. There will be three courses for play at the 72-hole event: the PGA West Nicklaus Course, PGA West Palmer Course, and at La Quinta Country Club.
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