PGA Pro Golfer Patrick Reed is the new 2014 champion of the Humana Golf Challenge. Reed shot a 63 every day for the first three days of the tournament and held a commanding 7 stroke lead going into the final day on Sunday for the win. The pressure was a bit more demanding on Sunday and he still shot a 71 which gave him a 2 stroke win over the rest of the field.
Several golfers made a valiant try to close the gap and catch up to Reed. Reed had to fail to keep his pace in order for anyone to take away his win. Reed had a total for the four days of 260. Ryan Palmer surged onto the scene with his final day score of 63 but still ended up 2 strokes back with a 262. Zach Johnson shot the low score of 62 but ended up tied with Justin Leonard who shot a 63.Both had a great day and rose to tie for third place with a total score of 263. The weather was great all week with little wind and sunny skies. Mild temperatures also made for low scoring and the course was in immaculate condition.
The golfers play on 3 different courses for the first three days and the final day is played on PGA West’s Palmer course. That gives each player the same chances as the rest of the field. Amateurs play the first three days with the final round just the top pro golfers who made the cut.There were few celebrities playing this year. Singer Michael Bolton and actor Craig T. Nelson were two of the notables in the amateur field.
There was a lot of controversy by the fans that thought there should always be celebrities in the field as that is what made the Bob Hope Classic one of the favorite tournaments to attend. President Clinton was the major celebrity but he did not play in the tournament and left before the end of the tournament. I am hoping that Humana changes its mind and brings back the celebrity field to the tournament as Bob Hope would have wanted. The main focus of the tournament is healthy living but it is big enough to combine both, Celebrities and health. Bob Hope still has a big presence in the Humana Challenge as his name is seen in many places around the grounds.
The Humana Golf Challenge has also become more fan friendly in terms of the variety of venues that are new to the tournament. There was a Senior day as always but now there is a Ladies Day and a Children’s Day. Saturday was the Military day and Military men and women got in free and had their own tent on the 1st tee of the Palmer. The Humana Foundation also gave a Mortgage Free home to a wounded warrior, Army Staff Sgt. Roberto Flores. Humana’s Tim McClain gave him the keys to the home in a ceremony with 50 Marines from the 29 Palms Marine Base in attendance.
Patrick Reed had a big day on Sunday. Not only did he win the tournament, he won $1,026.000, Got a beautiful trophy. received a phone call from President Clinton and was presented with a crystal plate. Broke a record that was held since 1977 and he is 23 years old with many great years ahead of him. This was his second win on tour and maybe the start of many wins.
