Top ranked PGA golfers commit to 2017 CareerBuilder Challenge
From major championship winners to past tournament champions, to golf’s up-and-coming generation of competitors, the early commitments to the 2017 CareerBuilder Challenge’s 156-player professional field showcase many of the world’s best, most accomplished PGA TOUR golfers.
Jason Dufner is committed to defending his CareerBuilder Challenge title against the likes of World No. 8 and 2014 tournament champion Patrick Reed, fellow victorious 2016 United States Ryder Cup teammate and two-time major champion Zach Johnson (2007 Masters and 2015 British Open), and 2010 and 2015 tournament winner Bill Haas – the PGA TOUR’s 2011 FedExCup Playoffs champion – in the 58th edition of the tournament Jan. 19-22 at the Stadium and Jack Nicklaus Tournament Courses at PGA WEST and La Quinta Country Club.
Dufner won his fourth PGA TOUR title – his first since claiming the 2013 PGA Championship – at the 2016 CareerBuilder Challenge by shooting 25-under-par 263 through the regulation 72 holes and besting David Lingmerth on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff.
CareerBuilder Challenge ambassador Phil Mickelson – the event champion in 2002 and 2004 and a five-time major championship winner – previously committed to play, pending his recovery from sports hernia surgery.
Joining Mickelson, Dufner and Johnson as major champions in the CareerBuilder Challenge field to date is 2009 British Open winner Stewart Cink and Angel Cabrera, the 2007 U.S. Open and 2009 Masters champion.
Dufner, Haas, Reed and Mickelson are among 13 past CareerBuilder Challenge champions entering early into the field. Also on this tournament honor roll are 2007 champ Charley Hoffman; 2009 champ Pat Perez, who is No. 3 in the PGA TOUR’s 2016-17 FedExCup standings, Brian Gay (2013 CareerBuilder Challenge winner), Mark Wilson (2012), Jhonattan Vegas (2011), D.J. Trahan (2008), Chad Campbell (2006), John Cook (1992, 1997) and Mark Brooks (1996).
The 156-player field tees off January 19-22; Ticket specials are available at www.CareerBuilderChallenge.com through Dec. 31
