CareerBuilder Challenge Preview, Picks & Analysis

Post by Sports Writer Derek Clements

IF YOU believe in horses for courses then look no further than Bill Haas for this week's CareerBuilder Challenge at La Quinta, California, a tournament that used to be called the Bob Hope Classic and, once upon a time, was played over 90 holes.

It has now been cut to the traditional 72-hole format and is played over three courses, with two rounds at the TPC Stadium Course, a par 72 measuring 7,113 yards, and one round each at PGA West’s Nicklaus Tournament course (7,159 yards, par 72) and La Quinta Country Club (7,060 yards, par 72).

Haas won the tournament in 2010, finished second in 2011 and won it again in 2015, so if anybody will be standing on the first tee with a warm feeling inside, it is Haas. The American is a past winner of the FedEx Cup and is a consistent money-winner but he has failed to live up to his huge potential. In many ways, he is like his father, Jay, who played on the PGA Tour from 1976 until 2005.

Jay made the US Ryder Cup team three times, most recently in 2004 when he was 50 years old. He was a prolific money-winner and had countless top-10 finishes but won only nine times. It was only when he moved to the Champions Tour that Hass Sr learnt how to win, picking up 18 victories ands three senior majors. Indeed, last year at the age of 62 he won the Toshiba Classic. 

Bill has seven victories to his credit, but his last came at this event two years ago. The 34-year-old is a much better player than that and will hope that a return to the venue will get his juices flowing once again.

The final round being played at the Stadium Course, which features a 17th hole that incorporates an island green and an 18th hole with water running the entire length of the hole. In other words, you can stand on the 17th tee with a three-shot lead and still not win the tournament. 

Apart from Haas, recent winners include Jhonattan Vegas (2011), Mark Wilson (2012), Brian Gay (2013) and Patrick Reed (2014). The defending champion is Jason Dufner, who had been in the doldrums until winning here 12 months ago. Dufner ended a victory drought that had lasted for nearly two-and-a-half years thanks to an astonishing recovery from the rocks beside the 17th green that nearly disappeared into the hole. He finished level with David Lingmerth, of Sweden, and went on to win in a playoff.

With all due respect to Dufner, Haas and the rest of the PGA Tour luminaries who will be playing this week, all eyes will be on an Englishman making his first start of 2017. Andrew "Beef" Johnston gained his card and made it clear that he intended to give life in America a real go. If ever a lifestyle was designed to fit a player, it is America and Johnston. They are the perfect fit. He loves the galleries, and they love him. And he simply adores the food. His biggest concern will probably be keeping his weight under control as everybody and his dog will want to buy him a double-burger and chips.

Some people may regard Beef as something of a joke but be sure of one thing - this guy can play, as he proved when winning the Spanish Open in 2016 and contending at The Open Championship. His game should be tailor-made to suit America as he hits the ball high and has a superb touch on and around the greens.

Phil Mickelson makes his first start in 14 weeks, when finished eighth at the Safeway Open. California has been good to the left-hander, with 17 of his 42 career victories coming during the traditional West Coast swing, most recently at the 2013 Phoenix Open. It has been far too long since Mickelson last enjoyed a win, especially given his splendid form last year. There will be those who have written him off, but the American is anything but a busted flush and he will surely be fired up by the news that long-time rival Tiger Woods is shortly to begin his tournament comeback.

While Mickelson makes his first appearance of the year, Spencer Levin, Peter Malnati and Brian Stuard will be making their eighth starts of the season.

Jon Rahm is a brilliant young Spanish golfer and big, big things are expected of him. He is not afraid to shoot low scores and the three courses at La Quinta should suit his game perfectly. He will win this year, no doubt, but this week may just be a little early for him.

The man who will arrive in California with a swagger in his step and great feelings about the venue is Reed. He has gone low here before, is in fine form and is filled with belief and self-confidence. Reed is the sort of golfer who needs to get off to a fast start and if he can do so then he will be take some beating. He is likely to be chased by Emiliano Grillo, the Argentinian player who is finally adding consistency to his undoubted talent. A winner last season, Grillo may just have both the game and the temperament to contend in the odd major or two in 2017.

To Win:

Emiliano Grillo. Class act

Each Way:

Patrick Reed. The ultimate competitor

Each Way:

Phil Mickelson. Loves California

Fantasy Picks:

Emiliano Grillo. Just needs work on his consistency

Patrick Reed. Will have the bit between his teeth

Phil Mickelson. Don't write him off

Jon Rahm. Fabulous prospect

Andrew Johnston. OK, I admit it, this is a case of heart ruling head

Jamie Lovemark. There or thereabouts most weeks

Charley Hoffman. Will always give it his all

Matt Every. Due a good week

Ollie Schniederjans. Keep your eye on this guy

Francesco Molinari. Brilliant iron player

Bill Haas. Good memories, playing well