CareerBuilder Challenge Power Rankings: Top ten at PGA West

LA QUINTA, CA - JANUARY 22: The group of Adam Hadwin of Canada, Dominic Bozzelli and Hudson Swafford prepare to putt on the fifth green during the final round of the CareerBuilder Challenge in partnership with The Clinton Foundation at the TPC Stadium Course at PGA West on January 22, 2017 in La Quinta, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

1 of 11

CareerBuilder Challenge Power Rankings – PGA West (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

The PGA Tour hits the continental United States for the first event of the California Swing, the CareerBuilder Challenge

The PGA Tour is in the Golden State for four of the next five weeks starting with this week’s CareerBuilder Challenge in La Quinta, California. Per usual, the first three rounds are a pro-am spread across three courses before a 54-hole cut. That means birdie makers are guaranteed one extra round for you DraftKings and fantasy golf aficionados.

Speaking of birdies, you’ll need a lot of them to win this event. Since the tournament reduced from 90 to 72 holes in 2012, the average winning score is 24-under-par. Hudson Swafford’s win at 20-under in chilly conditions last year was the worst winning score in relation to par in that span.

Americans have dominated this event in recent memory. Venezuela’s Jhonattan Vegas’ win as a rookie in 2011 made him the only international to prevail here since Canada’s Mike Weir won in 2003.

Courses in play this week are the PGA West Stadium, where play will conclude Sunday, PGA West and La Quinta Country Club. All play at 7,200 yards or fewer and are desert style courses with elevation changes and dry waste areas.

This tournament has quietly assembled solid fields in recent years, and this year is no different. Who will get it done and further build their career resume at the CareerBuilder? Continue on for 10 top picks.

Home/Golf Power Rankings