With love and affection in the air this week, it’s easy to understand why Aaron Baddeley experienced that warm and fuzzy feeling as the he strolled through the double doors at Riviera Country Club ahead of this week’s Northern Trust Open.
The Australian, who will see a photo of himself in the clubhouse this week having out-dueled Vijay Singh for a two-shot victory 12 months ago, heads into the defence of his title on the back of an encouraging fourth place at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.
“The history here is one of my favourite things,” said the three-time PGA Tour winner.
“Every year I always look at the photos in the men’s locker room over and over. It’s just so great to see the pictures of past champions.
“The Northern Trust Open is a very special tournament. It’s one of the best golf courses we play. The tenth hole is one of the best in golf and then you have the amphitheatre around the 18th green.
“I feel like my game has been building all year which is very similar to last year. I have been playing well but not necessarily scoring, but last week gives me some nice momentum. I would love to win this tournament again.”
Elsewhere, 2005 champion Adam Scott, World No.1 Luke Donald, World No.8 Jason Day and a resurgent Sergio Garcia will all be making their first appearances on this season’s PGA Tour in Los Angeles.
Northern Trust Open
Where?
Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades, California
When?
Thursday February 16 to Sunday February 19
The Course
Par-71; 7,298 yards
Purse
$6,600,000 (winner: $1,188,000)
Defending champion
Aaron Baddeley (-12)
Tournament Records
Most wins: 4 Macdonald Smith (1928, 1929, 1932, 1934) and Lloyd Mangrum (1949, 1951, 1953, 1956)
Lowest score to par: -20 Lanny Wadkins (1985)
Did you know?
Inaugurated in 1926, the tournament has been contested at Riviera Country Club on a near-continuous basis since 1973.
Live Coverage
Thursday: Sky Sports 3 from 8pm
Friday: Sky Sports 3 from 8pm
Saturday: Sky Sports 3 from 6pm
Sunday: Sky Sports 3 from 6pm
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