The new home of the CareerBuilder Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation – the TPC Stadium and Jack Nicklaus Tournament Courses at PGA WEST – not only means new challenges for some of the game’s greatest players, but new and fun ways for fans to watch those players.
Golf fans watching the 2016 CareerBuilder Challenge will enjoy a spectator-friendly experience as they watch the world’s greatest golfers navigate the deep bunkers, water hazards on nine holes, railroad ties and other creations from the fertile design mind of architect Pete Dye on the Stadium Course.
Along with the return of the Bob Hope Club presented by H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation, Bob Hope Square and Club 17 presented by Hyundai comes two Oases – one on the front nine, one on the back – better sightlines for spectators throughout and a liberal dose of Adirondack chairs spread among both PGA WEST courses.
Official rounds for the event, which features a $5.8 million purse are scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 21 through Sunday, Jan. 24, with Sunday’s final round returning to the Stadium Course for the first time since 1987.
“The Stadium Course was designed to allow fans maximum opportunities to see their favorite players and once again, with our enhanced hospitality venues and the perfect nature of this course for walkers, we will provide our fans plenty of ways to see and experience the CareerBuilder Challenge from an up-close-and-personal viewpoint,” Tournament Director Bill Tait said. “Our Oases are built to not only provide an extra level of comfort and services, but to provide fans with views of several holes without leaving that venue.”
The Oases are a new amenity designed to provide fans with unparalleled, three-dimensional views of the action.
Perched on elevated mounds on the Stadium Course, both feature upgraded concessions and bathroom facilities and table-and-chair seating.
The front-nine Oasis offers views of the second green in the distance, the third tee, the fifth fairway and the eighth tee. The back-nine Oasis offers great views of the 12th green, the entire 13th hole, the 15th green and the 16th tee.
The always-popular Bob Hope Square returns again with a phalanx of food trucks, giving fans a place to unwind, relax, enjoy the latest culinary creations and take part in a host of interactive golf games and promotions.
This year’s Bob Hope Square, however, will surround the practice putting green, so fans will be able to stroll around, eat, drink and watch the players practice putting.
Bob Hope Square also provides views of the range and the first and ninth holes of the Stadium Course.
“You’ll be able to have a lobster roll and watch putts roll on the putting green or the ninth green,” said Managing Director Scott Easton.
Also returning for the fourth year is Club 17 Presented by Hyundai. This time, however, Club 17 will give fans a bird’s-eye view of the Stadium Course’s notorious par-3 17th hole — “Alcatraz.”
The sports-bar atmosphere will once again be a popular gathering place to watch players take on one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking holes on the PGA TOUR. It also provides views of two other holes: the 16th green and the 11th fairway.
“Imagine stepping onto the 168-yard 17th hole with a true island green tied for the lead. It makes for one heck of a finish to an exciting tournament,” said PGA WEST General Manager Chad Johnson.
The Bob Hope Club presented by the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation will give fans a bird’s-eye view to that exciting finish.
Perched above the 18th hole of the Stadium Course, the Bob Hope Club provides the pinnacle of hospitality, with catered food from some of the top restaurants in the Coachella Valley, a fine beverage selection, comfortable seats and one of the best seats in the house to watch players finish their rounds.
One of the biggest changes from previous years is on that 18th hole. Tournament officials made it possible for fans to watch the action from right around and behind the hole – another amenity the Stadium Course provides spectators.
