Big name golfer to return to Valley’s PGA tournament

A two-time champion of the Valley’s PGA tournament has committed to play the 2016 CareerBuilder Challenge.

Southern California native and Coachella Valley homeowner Phil Mickelson has entered the tournament, which runsThursday, Jan. 21 through Sunday, Jan. 24.

This is the first year the tournament will run as the CareerBuilder Challenge, and will play on two new courses, the TPC Stadium andJack Nicklaus Tournament Courses at PGA WEST.

Mickelson is a 2012 World Golf Hall Of Fame inductee and event champion in 2002 and 2004.

The tournament features a $5.8 million purse.

Mickelson is third, behind defending champion Bill Haas and 2005 event champion Justin Leonard, in all-time event earnings with $2,112,252 and has four top-10 finishes in 12 appearances.

“Phil Mickelson is not only one of the greatest players to ever compete in our event, but he is one of the greatest players in the history of the game,” said Tournament Director Bill Tait in a news release Tuesday.

“This is an event where he has enjoyed much success and has built a legacy for future players to strive toward. To see him compete in our event is a true thrill for every golf fan, no matter the age, because he is comfortable here and because he is one of the classiest professionals in the game when it comes to interacting with his amateur partners and with the fans.”

Tickets to see Mickelson up close are available at www.CareerBuilderChallenge.com