Ninety holes await Bob Hope Chrysler field
IN: News | US PGA | Bob Hope Chrysler Classic (2004) | Preview | by Bruce Young | 21 Jan 2004
Ninety holes lie ahead for the field in this week's Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, or at least they hope it will, as the third event of the USPGA Tour gets under way in La Quinta, California.
The event is played over four courses inlcuding the Palmer Course at PGA West (host course) opened in 1987, the Bermuda Dunes course designed by Billy Bell in 1952 and remodelled by Ronald Fream in 1987, the Indian Wells Country Club, initially designed by Harry and David Rainville in 1956 and remodelled in 1986 by Ted Robinson and the La Quinta Country Club designed in 1959 by Frank and Lawrence Hughes.
Arnold Palmer was the first winner of the event back in 1960 and would go on to win the event five times, helping to establish the momentum that would lead to the event's longevity as a regular stop on the PGA Tour.
Last year's winner Canadian Mike Weir had a solid if not spectacular finish to 2003 and was 24th at the recent Mercedes Championship.
Retief Goosen, who was 10th last week at the Sony Open and 4th at the Mercedes Championships, will likely be the favourite ahead of Weir with Jerry Kelly already in good form after his 5th at the Sony Open and a man who has played well here previously, a genuine chance.
Others likely to do well are Chris DiMarco, Chad Campbell (despite missing the cut last week), Justin Leonard and someone who finally showed some form last week and is a winner here previously, Jesper Parnevik.
Australasians entered are Stephen Allan, Steve Elkington, Mark Hensby, Stephen Leaney, Geoff Ogilvy, Rod Pampling, John Senden and Grant Waite.
The cut will be made after 72 holes with those remaining pursuing $US4.5 million with $810,000 to the winner.
