Humana Challenge 2012: Complete Preview, Start Time and Schedule

After two weeks in Hawaii, the PGA Tour will hit the mainland for the first time in 2012 with the Humana Challenge.

The format for this event is slightly different than normal—it's played over three courses, and each professional is paired with three amateurs over the first three days, playing one round at each course.

On Sunday, the Top 70 pros—and ties—will take to the PGA West Palmer Course to decide the tournament.

Jhonattan Vegas won last year. 

When: Thursday, Jan. 19 - Sunday, Jan. 22

Where: PGA West Nicklaus Course. PGA West Palmer Course. La Quinta Country Club. 

Palm Desert California. La Quinta, California. 

What They're Saying

Rob Bolton of PGATOUR.COM ranked Bill Haas as the top player in the field this week. 

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"Clearly comfortable in La Quinta. He's made the cut in all seven appearances, five of which have resulted in top 25s. He won here in 2010 and lost in a playoff last year. Has an active streak of 20 consecutive rounds in the 60s with an average of 67.15."

 

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Golfer to Watch: Phil Mickelson

Mickelson is more than just the biggest name in the field—he's also at a crossroads in his career.

Lefty is still a factor on the world stage, but he has won only two tournaments over the last two seasons.

Mickelson has won this tournament twice before, and he needs to have a strong early season. He'll turn 42 in June, so Lefty's window for winning big is running out.

If he doesn't have a good early season this year, we shouldn't expect a lot.  

Tee Times (EST)

Notable first three round times

Player	Round 1	Round 2	Round 3
Phil Mickelson	11:50 a.m. - La Quinta	12:20 p.m. - Nicklaus	12:50 p.m. - Palmer
Dustin Johnson	12:50 p.m. - Palmer	1:20 p.m. - La Quinta	11:50 a.m. - Nicklaus
Bill Haas	12:20 p.m. - Nicklaus	12:50 p.m. -Palmer	1:20 p.m. - La Quinta
Jhonattan Vegas	11:50 a.m. - Palmer	12:20 p.m. - La Quinta	12:50 p.m. - Nicklaus

Check out the full list of tee times for the first three rounds via humanachallenge.com.

TV Schedule

	Date	Live Time (EST)	Channel
First Round	Thursday, Jan. 19	3 p.m.	GOLF
Second Round	Friday, Jan. 20	3 p.m.	GOLF
Third Round	Saturday, Jan. 21	4 p.m.	GOLF
Fourth Round	Sunday, Jan. 22	4 p.m.	GOLF

Prediction: Martin Laird

Laird is an emerging star on tour. He is generally a factor when a part of the field, and has a good game for desert courses. Laird hits the ball a long way. In the desert, courses are far less penal than they are elsewhere; so you can be more aggressive.  

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