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Chevron World Challenge Preview

Tuesday, 1 December 2009
Fergus Bisset
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Graeme McDowell replaces Woods

Lowdown:
For the second year running, tournament host Tiger Woods will not play in the Chevron World Challenge. Last season it was because he was recovering from knee surgery, this time it's because he's recovering from injuries sustained in a car crash outside his home last week. Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell has taken Tiger's place in the exclusive 18-man field.
This season the tournament will, for the first time, carry Official World Ranking points so there's an even greater incentive for the players than just the $1,350,000 winner's cheque.
The field for the event consists of the winners of golf's four Majors, two exemptions selected by the Tiger Woods foundation then the top available players on the Official World Golf Ranking. Defending champion Vijay Singh has withdrawn from the event.
A number of European players will tee it up at Sherwood Country Club for the 11th running of the tournament. Newly crowned European Number 1 Lee Westwood has made the trip across the Atlantic as have Padraig Harrington, Martin Kaymer, Ian Poulter, Paul Casey as well as McDowell.
Proceeds from the tournament will go to programmes implemented by the Tiger Woods foundation.

Venue: Sherwood Country Club, California
Date: Dec 3-6
Course stats: par 72, 7,027yards
Purse: $5,750,000 Winner: $1,350,000
Defending Champion: Vijay Singh (-11)

TV Coverage:
Thursday 3 - Live on British Eurosport from 8pm
Friday 4 - Live on British Eurosport from 8pm
Saturday 5 - Live British Eurosport from 8pm
Sunday 6 - Live on British Eurosport from 8pm

Player Watch:
Lee Westwood - Coming off an awesome performance at the Dubai World Championship, the Englishman will be the man to beat.
Padraig Harrington - The Irishman won this tournament in 2002 and was runner-up in 2004. A victory is overdue for the three-time Major champion.
Steve Stricker - Last year's runner-up will be looking to go one better this time out.

Key hole: 15th. A beautiful par 3 of 189 yards. The tee-shot is all carry across water to a narrow green. Getting the correct club here is essential.

Skills required: Beating the best. With a select field featuring many of the world's best players, the man who comes out on top will have to produce an awesome week's golf.