While much of the country shivers, the 2016 PGA Tour season cranks up with 32 winners taking a trip to paradise.
Defending champion Patrick Reed and 31 others are front and center at this week’s Tournament of Champions in Kapalua.
This week will also give a preview of the world’s No. 1 and 2 — Jordan Spieth and Jason Day. Add Bubba Watson and you have three of the top four.
Kapalua is a stage that can bring some drama to the table. Last year, Reed made up four shots over the final four holes on the faltering Jimmy Walker to get into a playoff then birdied the first playoff hole to pick up his fourth PGA Tour victory.
The 2016 winner will have to go low, it will take something north of 20-under to hoist the trophy on Sunday.
Some prominent players will also have new equipment in their bags.
Open champion Zach Johnson has made the switch to Parsons Xtreme Golf equipment.
Long-hitting Brooks Koepka has left Titleist in favor of a big payout from Nike.
The weather will be perfect, only the wind dictates how low the field will go.
For Spieth, this week will perhaps give a preview of how he follows up on the incredible season of 2015. Same for Jason Day. Both will be among the early favorites at the Masters in April.
In the meantime, sit back and take respite from the chilly temperatures that grip most of the nation and see who has their game in shape this week.
The tour’s winners will be on display in prime time as the time difference brings the broadcast for evening viewing starting Thursday.
This Week’s Field:
