The Plantation Course at Kapalua Resort will once again serve as host, testing players with unique elevation changes and a variety of undulating greens over the course of its 7,411-yard, par-73 layout.
Headlining the field this week is Titleist Brand Ambassador Jordan Spieth. Last year's FedExCup champion arrived in great form and full of confidence after his spectacular 2014-2015 campaign.
"Any time it's mentioned that it's a new year," Spieth said after a 7-under-par 66 in his opening round, "the questions that are asked are, how in the world are you going to do what you did last season. Well, I mean I should get a little better each time I go and practice, right? Calendar may have changed, but only off of a short break, my play should stay the same in my mind."
Also hoping to get off to a fast start in 2016 is Pro V1x loyalist Rickie Fowler (4-under-par 69 in the first round), who enjoyed his biggest victory to date at last year's Player's Championship.
"This golf course is a lot of fun to play," Fowler said. "You've got to have a good imagination and visualize shots and be ready for some awkward lies, and the greens can get crazy in the wind. I hope the wind is up a little bit. I enjoy playing in the wind."
Whether the Kona winds are up or not, it's sure to be an exciting week at Kapalua and a welcome kickoff to the new golf year.
BY THE NUMBERS: 2016 HYUNDAI TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS
Titleist was also the top choice (T1) in the utility iron (2) and irons (6) categories. Vokey Design Wedges topped the approach, sand and lob wedge (30) category and Scotty Cameron putters were the top choice in putters (16).
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