Wednesday Preview - Humana Challenge

The PGA Tour returns to the mainland for the first time in 2014. The full name of the event is the Humana Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation, which is similar to the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl in the fact that neither could fit on a polo shirt.

Course: Three courses, none of which extend beyond 7,060 yards. They aren't the tightest of courses either, so expect a birdiefest.

Strength Of Field: C-. Most of the top players are either playing in Abu Dhabi or are taking the week off. Brandt Snedeker and Zach Johnson prevent this field from being downgraded to a D.

Extra Tidbits: They changed the pro-am portion of the event in order to speed up play, though pro-am tournaments are always going to have a slow pace... Greg Norman was originally scheduled to play, but had to withdraw with an injury... The host course, Palmer Private, yielded a 59 in 1999 to David Duval... Last year, Brian Gay won by shooting a 25 under par score. He had to win in a playoff against David Lingmerth and Charles Howell III.

Fantasy Four:

Brandt Snedeker - One of the top players in the world. No reason to think he can't absolutely devour this tournament. Seems rested and healthy, which may be the only concern. 

Rickie Fowler - Local product. Too young and too talented not to return to the form we saw when he was a rookie. Generally don't like Rickie on birdie-or-bust courses, but worth the risk in a weaker field. 

Nicolas Colsaerts - Taking a flyer here. I'm not sure why Colsaerts' game hasn't translated in the US, but the 2012 Ryder Cup member has skills. We've seen it. Perhaps being in another Ryder Cup year will fuel Colsaerts to perform well. Neither way, a shorter course should prove valuable to the bomber, and I believe he will get his short game figured out and have a good tournament this week.

Brendon de Jonge - Perhaps the best player to have yet win a PGA Tour event. Results as of late have not been to his typical form, but off weeks happen for someone who plays a ton. A slower pace, coupled with some easier courses should be a better fit for Brendon.

Last Weeks Team:

Charles Howell III: T8

Jordan Speith: MC

Tim Clark: WD

Ryo Ishikawa: MC

Personal Note: We are officially one week away from the start of the LPGA season, and I can not wait. I think I enjoy the LPGA more than I enjoy the PGA. Also, I will be keeping more than one eye on the event in Abu Dhabi, as I'm sure the entire golf world will be, as well. Tom Watson is playing in the Champions Tour opener this week. I love to watch Mr. Watson play.