A couple tidbits of information point to a possible big week for Myrtle Beach resident Dustin Johnson in the upcoming Bob Hope Classic hosted by Arnold Palmer. First of all, Johnson returns to the site of his lowest round of his rookie season, a 9-under-par 63 in the fourth round of the 2008 Hope en route to a 12-place finish. Secondly, he enters the tournament hot. He closed with rounds of 5-under 68 and 6-under 67 last week in the Mercedes-Benz Championship after opening with a pair of 72s, and worked with instructor Allen Terrell this week in California. In addition, the event doesn’t have the strongest field. The top players include world No. 9 Anthony Kim and past champions Justin Leonard, Mike Weir, D.J. Trahan and Chad Campbell, along with Steve Stricker and Stephen Ames.
Johnson may also be treated with a big-name celebrity to play alongside. The format includes PGA Tour pros playing with celebrities and amateurs, and considering Johnson moved up in stature with a win last year, he may have the opportunity to play with someone of significance this week. Celebrity participants include retired two-sport star Bo Jackson; 13-time Pro Bowler and all-time leading NFL scorer Jerry Rice; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman and 2008 American League Rookie of the Year Evan Longoria; musicians Huey Lewis, Stephen Stills, Michael Bolton, Alice Cooper, Don Felder (formerly of the Eagles), Josh Kelley and country singer Clay Walker; actors Kurt Russell and Chris O’Donnell; actor/comedian Kevin Nealon; York Yankees baseball legend Yogi Berra; NFL Hall of Fame quarterback and sportscaster Dan Fouts; Hall of Fame sportscaster Keith Jackson; Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson; former Green Bay Packers wide receiver and NFL analyst Sterling Sharpe; and former Vice President Dan Quayle.
