2018/2019 TOURNAMENT OVERVIEW

March 8-10, 2019

March 29-31, 2019

Hoag Classic

Rapiscan Systems Classic

Location

Tournament Record 193, Duffy Waldorf (2015)

Tournament 18-hole Record 60, Tom Purtzer (2004), Nick Price (2011), Duffy Waldorf (2015)

Media Coverage Golf Channel

More Information www.HoagClassic.com

IMAGES: GETTY IMAGES;

Course Insight Located along the Pacific Coast Highway in scenic Newport Beach and offering views of the Pacific Ocean and Newport Bay, Newport Beach Country Club was designed by renowned architect William Bell in 1952. A strategic layout, the course underwent enhancements by Harry Rainville in 1973. Ted Robinson further refined it with changes to selected tees and bunkers in 1985 and 1998-2000. The course is known for its narrow kikuyu fairways lined by mature pines and small greens with deceptive breaks. Several water hazards add to the challenge.

W W W.P GAT OUR.COM

T58.T59.indd 219

Vijay Singh scored his first individual victory on PGA TOUR Champions as he birdied the par-5 finishing hole to beat Scott McCarron, Tom Pernice Jr. and Tommy Tolles by one stroke. The 55-year-old Singh, who teamed with Carlos Franco to win the 2017 Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge, was playing his 25th PGA TOUR Champions individual event, as he had concentrated on the PGA TOUR. “I put a lot of pressure on myself when I first came out here,” said Singh. “Every time I teed it up, I thought I had to win.” This time he had low expectations as he was sick at the beginning of the week, but shot rounds of 68-68-66. Tolles shot a 65 on Sunday, but missed a six-footer for birdie on 18, while McCarron closed with a 68 and 36-hole leader Pernice a 69.

CHARITY BENEFIT

Hoag Charity Sports, a supporting organization of Hoag Hospital Foundation, takes over as title sponsor in 2019. As since 2011, proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center at Hoag and other Hoag programs.

Location Fallen Oak, Biloxi, Miss.

Yardage 7,088; par 72

Tournament Record 200, Tom Lehman (2011)

Tournament 18-hole Record 63, Fred Couples (2012), Gene Sauers (2017)

Media Coverage Golf Channel

More Information www. rapiscansystemsclassic.com

Course Insight Fallen Oak features woods, wetlands and elevation changes rarely seen on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. Tom Fazio designed the course, which opened in 2006 and is part of the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino. Fallen Oak features more than 4,000 oaks, magnolias, pines and other hardwoods. Ponds, streams and wetlands enhance the beauty and the challenge. The tree from which the course was given its name is perched on the right side of the fairway at the par-4 18th hole.

HOW STEVE STRICKER WON

18 20

Yardage 6,584; par 71

HOW VIJAY SINGH WON

18 20

Newport Beach Country Club, Newport Beach, Calif.

Steve Stricker won his second consecutive PGA TOUR Champions start as he scored a three-stroke victory in the Rapiscan Systems Classic with an 11-under 205 total. Stricker, coming off his first PGA TOUR Champions win at the Cologuard Classic, quickly added another as he took a one-stroke lead into the final round at Fallen Oak and extended the margin with a 68 that included a 33 on the back nine. “It was good to hit the shots I needed down the stretch and finish it off the way I should,” said Stricker, who birdied all four par 5s in the final round including Nos. 13 and 15 in the stretch run. For the week, Stricker was 11-under on the par 5s with an eagle, nine birdies and two pars. Billy Andrade finished second after a 69 in the final round, with David McKenzie, Scott Parel, Jesper Parnevik and Gene Sauers a shot further back.

CHARITY BENEFIT

The Rapiscan Systems Classic contributes to local charities along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, primarily through its Birdies for Charity program. Total contributions in 2018 were $515,544. PGA TOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE 2018/2019, Part 1

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