Sports

Patrick Reed Claims Round 1 of Humana Challenge

Murrieta native Rickie Fowler finished the first round four under par, tying for sixth place in the current standings.

The Humana Challenge golf tournament got under way in La Quinta today, with former President Bill Clinton on hand for the festivities.

Texan Patrick Reed, 23, topped the leaderboard at the end of the first round, with four golfers tied for second.

The event, known as the Bob Hope Classic until 2012, is being held at the Palmer and Nicklaus private courses at PGA West and the La Quinta Country Club. It is being televised live on the Golf Channel from noon to 4 p.m. daily through Sunday.

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This year for the first time, people were invited to play in the amateur part of the 72-hole tournament, replacing the celebrity field. Additionally, top amateur players will be able to play in the tournament's final round on Sunday.

The tournament is also implementing the PGA Tour's new safety policy, which is posted on the Humana Challenge's website.

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Pros who have committed to compete in the $5.7 million Humana Challenge include major championship winners Keegan Bradley, Mark Brooks, Stewart Cink, Retief Goosen, Trevor Immelman, Zach Johnson, Justin Leonard, and Mike Weir; defending Humana Challenge champion Brian Gay; two-time 2013 PGA Tour winner Brandt Snedeker; FedExCup points standings leader Jimmy Walker; and Murrieta native Rickie Fowler. Golf Hall of Famer Greg Norman pulled out because of a knee injury.

Each day of the tournament will have a theme -- today was Seniors' Day, Friday is Women's Day, Saturday is Military Appreciation Day and Sunday is Kids' Day. Bob Hope Square at PGA West will host demonstrations and activities.

Active-duty and reserve service members, military retirees and their dependents can sit in a special pavilion at the Palmer course, and can get into the tournament grounds for free throughout the week. The tournament is carrying on the legacy of Hope, who was famous for entertaining troops and who regularly played in the tournament. Hope, who lived in Palm Springs, died in 2003.

Humana, a health insurance provider based in Kentucky, sponsors the tournament with the Clinton Foundation. The tournament raises money for Coachella Valley charities, primarily the Eisenhower Medical Center.

Tickets and information are available at  www.humanachallenge.com or by calling 760-346-8184.

—City News Service


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