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DJ Trahan set for Bob Hope Classic defence

D.J. Trahan, although a little wary of facing greater pressure, plans to adopt the same strategy from 12 months ago when he defends his Bob Hope Classic title in the California desert this week.

“I just want to go in and have the same mindset: one day, one shot at a time,” the 28-year-old American told reporters as he prepared for the 90-hole pro-am celebrity event.

“That worked out well last year and hopefully we’ll be able to have a good week this week; a run at it again would be really awesome.

“We know it’s a major grinding week with 90 holes to play. You just have to stay focused and realise: ‘Okay, there’s one more day.’ It just seems like it’s never going to end sometimes when you have five rounds.”

Trahan, who overhauled PGA Tour veteran Justin Leonard in the final round to triumph last year by three shots, accepts he will have to deal with greater expectations as the champion.

“It probably will be a little bit different but, at the same time, my objectives don’t change,” he said. “I’m obviously playing to win as you do every week.

“Certainly there will be that little bit of added pressure because you know you played so well there last year and you know you want to go back and play extremely well again.

“But right now I feel pretty good about my game. I’ve been working hard to be as ready as I can to come into the Hope and have a good week defending.”

Trahan has made a solid start to the PGA Tour this year, tying for sixth at the season-opening Mercedes-Benz Championship and sharing 32nd spot at last week’s Sony Open.

The biggest change in his game since the beginning of 2008 is increased confidence in his putting.

“Last year was the first time in my four-year career on Tour where I teed it up and I felt like I could actually rely on my putter instead of wondering if my putter was going to show up or not,” the double PGA Tour winner said.

“I’ve continued that feeling on in this year with the work that I’ve done with my putting, and it’s been tremendous.”

A big fan of the celebrity environment and traditionally low-scoring at the Bob Hope Classic, Trahan is especially looking forward to this week’s 50th edition being hosted by five-times champion Arnold Palmer.

“It is going to be truly special, him having won the first one and this being the 50th,” Trahan said. “It just goes to show you how highly a guy like Mr. Palmer thought of the Bob Hope to come back and do this.”

First held in 1960 when Palmer clinched the inaugural title, the tournament boasts a list of winners including heavyweights such as Jack Nicklaus, Billy Casper and Johnny Miller.

Bing Crosby, Burt Lancaster, Frank Sinatra and Kirk Douglas have lit up its glittering cast of celebrities over the years.

Among those teeing off in Wednesday’s opening round are world number eight Anthony Kim, a graduate of the nearby La Quinta High School, and former major winners Mike Weir, David Duval, Rich Beem, Steve Elkington and Todd Hamilton.

The $5.1 million Bob Hope Classic will be played over the 6,930-yard Palmer Private course at PGA West, the host venue, as well as Bermuda Dunes Country Club, the Jack Nicklaus Private course at PGA West and the SilverRock Resort layout.

January 21, 2009