The PGA West Arnold Palmer Private Course is one of four courses being played in 2010.
Jan. 20, 2010
The PGA TOUR will play the Bob Hope Classic at four different courses. Learn more about these venues:
| Expert's Overview |
| Alex Fisher, PGA Head Instructor for the TOUR Academy at TPC Las Vegas, analyzes the quartet of courses this week: |
Defending champion Pat Perez heads a star-studded field at this week's Bob Hope Classic in Palm Springs. For more than half-a-century (now in its 51st year) this five-day marathon partners PGA TOUR stars with an array of celebrities over four desert golf courses in the Hollywood elites favorite vacation spot.
Silver Rock Resort, La Quinta Country Club, PGA West Nicklaus Private and PGA West Palmer Private make up the rotation hosting this unique pro-am format. Silver Rock Resort stands out because it is one of the longest courses on TOUR this year. Measuring over 7,500 yards for the pros, it features three par-5 holes over 600 yards!
However, the other three courses play shorter than the typical PGA TOUR stop and are known for generating a lot of birdies thanks to flat and velvety putting surfaces. That is, as long as the players are attacking from the fairways with short irons in their hands. This week, look for players needing to hit at least 75 percent of their fairways in order to make enough birdies throughout the 90-hole competition.
Don't be surprised to see players needing to birdie more than 30 holes for the week to win; therefore, having a reliable driver will be a common denominator for those players who look to challenge this week at the Bob Hope Classic.
To learn more about the TOUR Academy, please click here. |
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| Kodak Challenge |
| This week's Kodak Challenge hole is the par-3, 17th at the Arnold Palmer Private Course. Just a short 130-yarder, it should provide plenty of birdie (and maybe even better) opportunities. There were just three par 3s on TOUR last year (out of 207 short holes) that played easier than the 17th at the Palmer Course. More on Kodak Challenge |
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PGA WEST (NICKLAUS):
| Fast facts |
| Original architect |
Jack Nicklaus (1986) |
| Course superintendent |
Robert J. Durkee |
| Number of PGA TOUR events as host venue |
2 (including 2010) |
| Course ranking |
Ranked 51 (out of 51) in difficulty on the PGA TOUR in 2009 |
| Par value |
72 |
| Yardage history |
6,951 (2009-present) |
| Grass |
Bermudagrass, perennial ryegrass (tees, fairways, rough); Bermudagrass, perennial ryegrass, Poa trivialis (greens) |
| Tournament Stimpmeter |
10 ft |
| Sand bunkers |
66 |
| Water hazards |
4 |
| Course tour |
Click here |
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| Holes-in-one |
| There have been two aces recorded at the PGA West (Nicklaus course) |
| Player |
Hole |
Year |
| Briny Baird |
No. 7 |
2009 |
| John Senden |
No. 3 |
2009 |
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| 2009 Rankings |
| Most Difficult Hole |
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The par-4 455-yard 18th
"Runaway": A finishing hole that tests your nerve until the very end. A generous fairway collects your drive, setting up a final shot for the day to a green protected by a lake on the right and a deep collection area to the left. The huge green features a particularly challenging back right pin location. Do you go for it, or play safely to the center of the green?
2009: 0 eagles, 24 birdies, 75 pars, 25 bogeys, 4 double bogeys, 0 others |
| Easiest hole |
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The par-5 530-yard 16th
"Detour": The deepest green (50 yards) on the course awaits you at the end of this par five hole that doglegs right. Long hitters may cut the corner of the dogleg off the tee, setting up a shot at the green. Most players should hit their second shots to the right side of the fairway for an open shot at the narrow, well bunkered, winding green that has numerous tiers. Be sure you leave your approach shot near the hole.
2009: 14 eagles, 64 birdies, 47 pars, 3 bogeys, 0 double bogeys, 0 others |
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| Nicklaus Course | 2009 rankings |
| 1 |
4 |
374 |
3.68 |
14 |
| 2 |
4 |
414 |
3.883 |
5 |
| 3 |
3 |
177 |
2.688 |
13 |
| 4 |
5 |
538 |
4.391 |
16 |
| 5 |
4 |
443 |
3.844 |
7 |
| 6 |
4 |
406 |
3.984 |
2 |
| 7 |
3 |
140 |
2.711 |
10 |
| 8 |
5 |
509 |
4.453 |
15 |
| 9 |
4 |
410 |
3.797 |
8 |
| 10 |
4 |
412 |
3.859 |
6 |
| 11 |
3 |
191 |
2.938 |
3 |
| 12 |
4 |
403 |
3.695 |
11 |
| 13 |
5 |
528 |
4.375 |
17 |
| 14 |
4 |
375 |
3.695 |
11 |
| 15 |
4 |
415 |
3.719 |
9 |
| 16 |
5 |
530 |
4.305 |
18 |
| 17 |
3 |
204 |
2.898 |
4 |
| 18 |
4 |
455 |
4.07 |
1 |
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| Tournament course history |
| PGA West (Palmer) |
La Quinta, Calif. |
1987-1994, 1998-present |
| Classic Club |
Palm Springs, Calif. |
2006-2008 |
| Bermuda Dunes |
Palm Springs, Calif. |
1960-2007, 2009 |
| Indian Wells |
Indian Wells, Calif. |
1960-2004 |
| La Quinta |
La Quinta, Calif. |
1964-1986, 1988, 1991-1992, 1994-1995, 1997-1998, 2000-2001, 2003-2008, 2010 |
| Tamarisk CC |
Mirage, Calif. |
1960-1963, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1990, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2002, 2005 |
| Thunderbird CC |
Palm Springs, Calif. |
1960-1962 |
| El Dorado |
Palm Springs, Calif. |
1961-1968, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1989 |
| SilverRock |
La Quinta, Calif. |
2008-present |
| PGA West (Nicklaus) |
Palm Springs, Calif. |
2009-present |
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PGA WEST (PALMER):
| Fast facts |
| Original architect |
Arnold Palmer (1986) |
| Course superintendent |
Gregory K. Hrycyk |
| Number of PGA TOUR events as host venue |
21 (including 2010) |
| Course ranking |
Ranked 49 (out of 51) in difficulty on the PGA TOUR in 2009 |
| Par value |
72 |
| Yardage history |
6,924 (1988-1994) |
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6,931 (1998-1999) |
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6,950 (2000-2001) |
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6,930 (2002-present) |
| Grass |
Bermudagrass overseeded with perennial ryegrass (tees, fairways, rough); Bermudagrass overseeded with Poa trivialis (greens) |
| Tournament Stimpmeter |
10 ft |
| Sand bunkers |
100 |
| Water hazards |
5 |
| Course tour |
Click here |
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| Course record |
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Player
David Duval |
Year
1999 |
Round
5th |
Finish
WON |
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| Holes-in-one |
| There have been seven aces recorded at the PGA West - Palmer Course. |
| John Mallinger |
No. 3 |
2009 |
| Paul Claxton |
No. 5 |
2008 |
| Corey Pavin |
No. 3 |
2006 |
| Kevin Sutherland |
No. 17 |
2001 |
| Stuart Appleby |
No. 12 |
1999 |
| Stewart Cink |
No. 12 |
1999 |
| David Edwards |
No. 17 |
1998 |
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| 2009 Rankings |
| Most Difficult Hole |
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The par-4 447-yard 10th
A long start to the outward nine, this "MONSTER" of a hole has water and sand awaiting each shot. A well placed drive will leave a long to middle iron short to the rolling green.
2009: 0 eagles, 23 birdies, 125 pars, 49 bogeys, 2 double bogeys, 3 others |
| Easiest hole |
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The par-5 512-yard 11th
A relatively short Par 5 that is somewhat of a "BREATHER." This is a good opportunity to pick up a shot on Par. Reachable in two for the longer hitter, accuracy is important hitting into the elevated two level green.
2009: 9 eagles, 122 birdies, 68 pars, 3 bogeys, 0 double bogeys, 0 others |
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| Palmer Course |
2009 rankings | Last 11 years |
| 1 |
4 |
426 |
3.926 |
8 |
4.007 |
7 |
| 2 |
5 |
514 |
4.376 |
17 |
4.453 |
17 |
| 3 |
3 |
180 |
2.916 |
9 |
2.975 |
8 |
| 4 |
4 |
396 |
3.772 |
12 |
3.900 |
11 |
| 5 |
3 |
233 |
3.084 |
2 |
3.220 |
1 |
| 6 |
5 |
562 |
4.436 |
16 |
4.537 |
16 |
| 7 |
4 |
439 |
4.01 |
6 |
4.041 |
6 |
| 8 |
4 |
358 |
3.728 |
14 |
3.755 |
13 |
| 9 |
4 |
461 |
4.054 |
3 |
4.160 |
2 |
| 10 |
4 |
433 |
4.198 |
1 |
4.157 |
3 |
| 11 |
5 |
512 |
4.322 |
18 |
4.311 |
18 |
| 12 |
3 |
207 |
3.04 |
5 |
3.063 |
5 |
| 13 |
4 |
447 |
4.045 |
4 |
4.099 |
4 |
| 14 |
5 |
569 |
4.733 |
13 |
4.720 |
14 |
| 15 |
3 |
156 |
2.946 |
7 |
2.945 |
10 |
| 16 |
4 |
364 |
3.881 |
10 |
3.877 |
12 |
| 17 |
3 |
130 |
2.827 |
11 |
2.973 |
9 |
| 18 |
5 |
543 |
4.52 |
15 |
4.542 |
15 |
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| Course origins |
PGA WEST and the Arnold Palmer Private Course, set at the foot of the majestic Santa Rosa Mountains say "Welcome Back" to the 44th Annual Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. The challenging course officially opened October 26, 1986 as the second of five championship courses at PGA WEST, a spectacular master-planned country club community in La Quinta.
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In the fall of 1999, PGA WEST opened the sixth course, designed by Greg Norman, an additional practice facility and a new, full service clubhouse. The Club at PGA WEST currently features two handsome golf clubhouses and a state-of-the-art Health & Racquet Club surrounded by tennis courts of all three surfaces. The uniquely designed fairway homes at PGA WEST offer unparalleled views of breathtaking mountains, fairways and lakes, elegant amenities and a level of sophistication and comfort that are the hallmarks of fine California lifestyles.
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In 1987 the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic came to PGA WEST on the TPC Stadium Golf Course which has the distinction of being the first new course added to the tournament rotation since 1971. The following year the Classic moved to the Palmer Private Course. The Palmer Private Course also is noted for hosting the PGA Club Professional Championship in 1996 and the 1997 Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf.
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| The Arnold Palmer Private Course measures 6,950 yards from the tournament tees, 5,995 yards from the regular tees and is rated 74.6 and 68.9 respectively. According to Arnold Palmer, he designed the exciting course "for every caliber of golfer to play and enjoy." -- Source: PGATOUR.COM |
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SILVERROCK RESORT
| Fast facts |
| Original architect |
Arnold Palmer (2005) |
| Course superintendent |
William Lopez |
| Number of PGA TOUR events as host venue |
3 (including 2010) |
| Course ranking |
Ranked 48 (out of 51) in difficulty on the PGA TOUR in 2009 |
| Par value |
72 |
| Yardage history |
7,578 (2008-present) |
| Grass |
Bermudagrass; perennial ryegrass (tees); Perennial ryegrass (fairways, rough); Bermudagrass overseeded with perennial ryegrass and Poa trivialis (greens) |
| Tournament Stimpmeter |
10 ft |
| Sand bunkers |
96 |
| Water hazards |
6 |
| Course tour |
Click here |
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| Holes-in-one |
| There has been one ace recorded at the Silver Rock Resort. |
| Daniel Chopra |
No. 14 |
2008 |
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| 2009 Rankings |
| Most Difficult Hole |
 |
The par-4 489-yard 9th
A large native area guards the left side of the fairway that forces players tee shots to favor the right. A good tee shot leaves the player with a long second shot to a green that is heavily guarded by bunkers.
2009: 0 eagles, 11 birdies, 88 pars, 25 bogeys, 3 double bogeys, 0 others |
| Easiest hole |
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The par-4 335-yard fifth
Another relatively short par 4 at 335 yards from the tips, but don't let this hole fool you. Players should favor the right side of the fairway to avoid the large Tamarisk trees that guard the left side of the fairway. A drive to the fairway will leave you with a short iron to a slightly uphill second shot.
2009: 1 eagles, 64 birdies, 58 pars, 4 bogeys, 0 double bogeys, 0 others |
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| Silver Rock |
2009 rankings | Last 11 years |
| 1 |
4 |
426 |
3.819 |
10 |
3.875 |
9 |
| 2 |
5 |
592 |
4.63 |
16 |
4.702 |
14 |
| 3 |
3 |
183 |
3.055 |
4 |
3.039 |
5 |
| 4 |
4 |
385 |
3.701 |
14 |
3.761 |
12 |
| 5 |
4 |
335 |
3.512 |
17 |
3.557 |
18 |
| 6 |
4 |
493 |
4.102 |
3 |
4.114 |
3 |
| 7 |
5 |
603 |
4.646 |
15 |
4.675 |
16 |
| 8 |
3 |
191 |
2.921 |
6 |
2.945 |
8 |
| 9 |
4 |
489 |
4.157 |
1 |
4.082 |
4 |
| 10 |
4 |
350 |
3.866 |
8 |
3.839 |
11 |
| 11 |
4 |
418 |
3.709 |
13 |
3.753 |
13 |
| 12 |
5 |
625 |
4.74 |
12 |
4.678 |
15 |
| 13 |
4 |
449 |
3.795 |
11 |
3.839 |
10 |
| 14 |
3 |
165 |
2.866 |
8 |
2.957 |
7 |
| 15 |
4 |
480 |
4.055 |
4 |
4.169 |
2 |
| 16 |
4 |
468 |
3.906 |
7 |
4.016 |
6 |
| 17 |
3 |
207 |
3.11 |
2 |
3.204 |
1 |
| 18 |
5 |
544 |
4.512 |
17 |
4.620 |
17 |
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LA QUINTA CC
| Fast facts |
| Original architect |
Lawrence Hughes (1959) |
| Course redesign |
Damian Pascuzzo (1999) |
| Course superintendent |
Timothy D. Putnam |
| Number of PGA TOUR events as host venue |
37 (including 2010) |
| Par value |
72 |
| Grass |
328 bermudagrass, perennial ryegrass (tees, fairways); Tifdwarf bermudagrass/perennial ryegrass, Poa trivialis (greens); Bermudagrass, perennial ryegrass (rough) |
| Tournament Stimpmeter |
10.5 ft |
| Sand bunkers |
102 |
| Water hazards |
5 |
| Course tour |
Click here |
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| Holes-in-one |
| There have been three aces made at La Quinta CC. |
| Esteban Toledo |
No. 3 |
2000 |
| Scott Hoch |
No. 7 |
1997 |
| Ray Stewart |
No. 3 |
1995 |
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| Course origins |
The flagpole at the first tee is the official flagpole from the 1960 Winter Olympics at Squaw Valley. It was given to La Quinta Country Club by the Novotny family in memory of Frank Capra.
La Quinta Country Club recently completed a new club house, practice facility, and maintenance building. -- Source: PGATOUR.COM |
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