Just a quick little write-up about the CareerBuilder Challenge as Jack is still on the mend. The old Bob Hope remains a pro-am at heart with celebrities competing alongside the pros this week. We’ll see three (3) not terribly memorable courses over the first three rounds (La Quinta, Nicklaus Something or Other, and TPC Stadium West) that showcase brown rough, green fairways and greens, mountain views, and stupid low scores. Honestly, it would not be at all surprising to see another #59watch or two, even with the “bad weather” that is supposedly in the area. Also, it’s a three-day cut, so get ready for a rare weekend Bowditch sighting and a near double-digit under par cut-line.

Looking through the field and it’s… abysmal. Well, maybe not that bad, but not good by any stretch. Phil Mickelson has committed to play the event at the last minute, having played fewer than a handful of rounds since multiple back surgeries in the off season. Lefty also has duties as Tournament Host to look forward to, so his success outlook is worse than Kenny Pigman’s (a real player in the field and totally not just a made up name). In all reality, Patrick Reed is the best player in the field, and having won here in the past is a definite favorite to win this week. Other potential top finishers this week include Bill Haas, Charlie Hoffman, and David Lingmerth, who have all enjoyed past success in this event.

That’s enough about the CareerBuilder Challenge, whoever wins better be ready to shoot -25 if past results are any indication.

European Tour – Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

Jack’s Summary: DJ, Fowler, Euro guys, but no Rory. Much better tournament to watch. Better players.

Mike’s Summary: Jack is correct. Rory’s out with a stress fracture in a rib, but he is still ferocious on Twitter, brutally mauling Brandel Chamblee with this: https://twitter.com/McIlroyRory/status/821752324448288769

The field over in the Middle East this week has a far superior field compared to the CareerBuilder, and it’s good to see a couple top Americans making the trip to compete against the world’s best. I’m still disappointed I didn’t pick Jordan L Smith (who will be eligible for WGC events and majors this year, mark my words) with my final pick in the fantasy draft. He’ll probably take top 5 this week in Abu Dhabi.

PGA Tour Rookie C.T. Pan is on Instagram:

He has cool pictures, and also uses the video of a day to show where he’s traveling. Follow him at @ctpan63