Shortened PGA Tour campaign under way in Hawaii

KAPALUA, Hawaii - Agence France-Presse

Stricker defends his title at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions as the 2013 PGA Tour starts in Kapalua. AFP photo

American Rickie Fowler striked the first ball as the 2013 PGA Tour season kicked off in Hawaii on Jan. 4 with 30 players in the field for the winners-only Hyundai Tournament of Champions.

Last year’s winner Steve Stricker is back and will have some strong competition to beat in his quest to repeat his victory.

Stricker, who is the only previous winner in the abbreviated field, posted a pair of 69s in the final two rounds last year, defeating Martin Laird by two strokes.

Stricker’s worst finish in his last four times at Kapalua was a tie for 10th three years ago.

Reigning major champions Bubba Watson (Masters) and Webb Simpson (US Open) are also contenders. Watson, who has played here the last two years, carded his best finish last year when he tied for 18th.

“I’m excited about it,” Watson said. “A great time for the family, hanging out with friends and seeing the scenery and playing the golf course is a challenge but it’s a fun time to start off the year in Maui.”

Season projections

Watson said his goals this year are to get back to the winner’s circle and make the Presidents Cup team.

“For me it’s about winning a golf tournament,” Watson said. “And the second thing is making the team event. In the US we have a team event every year. This year it’s the Presidents Cup, so that would be the second goal.

“I got my tour card for five years now. That would have been number three, but I’m good for five years.”

Watson also hopes to improve on his mental preparation as he revealed that he has been hospitalized three times during his career for panic attacks.

“I’ve had a lot of panic attacks off the golf course,” he said. “I actually went to the hospital three times thinking I was having something wrong with my heart.”

Watson said doctors have suggested medication that he refuses to take. “I’ve done everything,” he said. “I’ve done EKGs, we’ve done tests, all kind of things. I need medicine that calms me down.”
Simpson tied for third place in his first appearance at Kapalua last year.

Players Champion Matt Kuchar tied for sixth in 2011, while Tour Championship winner Brandt Snedeker is back after not playing the tournament last year.

The Kapalua event begins a shortened PGA season after organizers decided to switch to a 2013-14 season next year. The former Fall Series is now the beginning of the new season, resulting in seven fewer tournaments in 2013.