MasterCard Championship at Hualalai

(Kaupulehu-Kona, HI) - Two-time U.S. Open champion Curtis Strange will start his 2006 Champions Tour season a week earlier than he expected, replacing Lee Trevino in the field for the MasterCard Championship at Hualalai.  The Champions Tour returns to Hualalai Golf Club January 16-22 for the first event of 2006.

Trevino, the runner-up in the 2000 MasterCard Championship at Hualalai, was forced to withdraw due to back spasms.  The 29-time Champions Tour winner missed seven months during the 2005 season due to back problems before returning to play five events last fall.

A 17-time winner on the PGA TOUR, Strange played 18 events last year as a rookie on the Champions Tour.  The 1988 and 1989 U.S. Open Champion will be making his first appearance at the MasterCard Championship at Hualalai.