Fewer Celebrities To Take The Field At Humana Challenge

The 2012 Humana Challenge brings a completely new look to the desert’s annual PGA Tour stop. Most noticeable is the format, now a sleek 72 hole, four-day event over three La Quinta courses.   

Also high on the list of changes the fan will notice is the way the amateur field is being handled. This year, the 144 amateurs and celebrities are each paired with a PGA tour pro. Previously, teams of four amateurs shared a pro each day. 

In years past, the celebs would be placed at the same course, making for constant star gazing. For 2012, a handful of celebrities are scattered across the three tournament courses. 

Singer Smokey Robinson and actor Billy Crudup will open the tournament Thursday at the PGA West Nicklaus course. 

That same day, NBA Hall of Fame member Julius “Dr. J.” Erving will join actors Morgan Freeman and Lucas Black at the PGA West Palmer course for their first round.

Actor Craig T. Nelson, singers Alice Cooper and Michael Bolton open the tournament at La Quinta Country Club. Academy award nominee Don Cheadle will join them for the Friday and Saturday rounds at PGA West.

Off the field, onlookers can enjoy a workout with “The Biggest Loser” coach Jillian Michaels and a lunch with celebrity Miami chef Lorena Garcia.

Chelsea Clinton, an NBC News correspondent, is slated to moderate a panel discussion during Tuesday's conference called, “Raise the Bar for Healthy Schools.”

Golf insiders are still speculating if former President Bill Clinton will take part in the Humana. (He's rumored to be good friends with Freeman and PGA golfer Greg Norman.)

The Clinton Foundation signed on with health care giant Humana to sponsor the event, and Clinton will be keynote speaker at a health care summit being held in the desert on Tuesday. 

For complete pairings information click here.