World Wide Technology Championship Preview: Course, Field, History, Tee Times, How to Watch
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World Wide Technology Championship Preview: Course, Field, History, Tee Times, and How to Watch
The World Wide Technology Championship at TPC of Indian Wells is one of the most highly anticipated stops on the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup playoff schedule. Scheduled for the weekend of March 13‑15, the tournament will take place on a championship‑grade layout that has proven to be both fair and ruthless to the world’s elite golfers. In this preview, we dive into the key elements that will shape the field and the experience for fans: the course design, the lineup of players, the tournament’s storied past, tee‑time arrangements, and the broadcast options that will bring the action into homes and on mobile devices.
Course: TPC of Indian Wells
TPC of Indian Wells sits in the arid foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains and is known for its sweeping desert vistas, precise bunkering, and a layout that rewards both strategic shot‑making and driving power. The course measures 7,300 yards from the tournament tees, a length that places it among the longest on the tour. With a par of 72, the layout features a blend of four 18‑hole loops, each designed to test different aspects of a golfer’s game.
Front 9 (Horseshoe Loop): The first nine holes start with a long par‑4 (Hole 1) that plays to a narrow fairway and a well‑placed bunker guarding the green. The sequence continues with a short par‑3 (Hole 3) that demands precision, followed by a long par‑5 (Hole 4) that offers a second‑shot opportunity but is guarded by water on the left. The finish of the front nine ends with a tricky par‑4 (Hole 9) that tests the ability to navigate thick rough.
Back 9 (Saddle Loop): The back nine begins with a long par‑4 (Hole 10) that sets a strong tone for the rest of the round. It is followed by a par‑5 (Hole 12) that offers a long birdie chance but is challenged by a water hazard in the fairway. The final holes, including a challenging par‑4 (Hole 18), require both accuracy and composure as the ball typically lands on a narrow island green.
The TPC of Indian Wells has been praised for its immaculate maintenance, with greens playing at a fast pace and roughs that offer a punitive but fair challenge. The course’s elevation changes, coupled with the desert wind, add an extra layer of difficulty that only the most seasoned professionals can navigate.
Field: FedEx Cup Standings and Invitees
The World Wide Technology Championship traditionally features the top 125 players from the FedEx Cup standings. In addition, the tournament often invites a few non‑eligible players to fill out the field and add variety. The top 10 of the FedEx Cup standings receive exemptions to the next playoff event, the Tour Championship, providing an extra incentive to perform well.
A look at the preliminary entry list shows a lineup that includes multiple major champions and recent winners:
- Tiger Woods – The 2008 champion of the tournament and one of the most iconic names in golf. His presence adds a historical aura to the field.
- John Daly – The 2006 champion, known for his power and personality.
- Jordan Spieth – A recent major champion who has been a fixture on the tour’s leaderboard.
- Brooks Koepka – A multiple‑major winner who consistently ranks high in the FedEx Cup standings.
- Jon Rahm – The reigning world number one and a dominant player on the tour.
The mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talent ensures that fans will witness high‑stakes play and unexpected moments throughout the weekend.
History: From the Desert to the Spotlight
The World Wide Technology Championship has a history of memorable moments. The tournament first began in 2006 as the World Wide Technology Championship at TPC of Indian Wells and quickly grew in prestige. Tiger Woods’ dominant 2008 victory, a 20‑shot margin over the field, remains one of the most iconic performances in the event’s history. In 2015, Jon Rahm captured the title on his first appearance, signaling a new era of rising stars on the tour.
In addition to the individual titles, the tournament’s influence on the FedEx Cup standings cannot be overstated. The World Wide Technology Championship is the third event of the playoff sequence, and points earned here can catapult a player into the final “Final Four” of the Tour Championship.
The tournament’s partnership with its title sponsor, World Wide Technology, a Dallas‑based technology and logistics company, has brought significant investment and innovation to the event. In 2023, the organization introduced “TechTalks,” a series of interactive fan experiences that leveraged augmented reality to provide real‑time analytics for spectators.
Tee Times: Scheduling and Buying Tickets
Tee times for the World Wide Technology Championship are typically scheduled in the morning, with the first 18 holes starting at 9:30 AM local time. The tournament follows a traditional 18‑hole format, but some fans have the opportunity to play through the 9th or 10th holes if they have pre‑purchase access.
Tickets are available through the official tournament website and through major ticket vendors. Early bird pricing starts at $60 for standard access, with higher-tier packages that include hospitality options, access to the VIP lounge, and meet‑and‑greet opportunities with players. The official website also offers a “Fan Experience” package that includes a behind‑the‑scenes tour of the course, a player photo session, and an exclusive welcome drink.
How to Watch: Broadcast and Streaming Options
The World Wide Technology Championship is televised across a network of partners that deliver comprehensive coverage to fans around the world:
ESPN – The primary broadcast partner provides full‑coverage live play with real‑time commentary, player interviews, and instant replay. The broadcast is available on ESPN’s cable channel, ESPN+, and the ESPN app, ensuring that viewers have a range of options for watching on TV or online.
Golf Channel – The network delivers a dedicated “Golf Channel Live” feed that features live tournament footage, expert analysis, and behind‑the‑scenes features. Fans can stream this feed on the Golf Channel app, on the network’s website, or via cable subscription.
PGA Tour Live – The official PGA Tour streaming platform offers live play, highlight reels, and a “Play by Play” feature that updates each shot in real time. The platform is free to stream during the tournament and can be accessed through the PGA Tour app or website.
Social Media and Streaming – The tournament’s official Twitter account (@WPWT) and Instagram page share live updates, player selfies, and short clips from key moments. In addition, the event partners with streaming services such as YouTube Live for a broader audience.
The tournament also features “World Wide Tech Connect,” a virtual fan hub that offers interactive content such as player Q&A sessions, analytics dashboards, and augmented reality filters. Fans can access the hub via the tournament’s mobile app or on the official website.
Final Thoughts
The World Wide Technology Championship at TPC of Indian Wells promises a blend of classic tournament tradition and modern fan engagement. With a challenging course layout that demands precision and power, a field of top players and recent champions, a rich history of dramatic victories, and flexible ways for fans to experience the event—whether in person, on television, or through immersive streaming—this event is poised to deliver a memorable weekend of golf. As the FedEx Cup playoffs intensify, the stakes for players are high, and for spectators, the excitement is guaranteed. Whether you’re a long‑time golf enthusiast or a newcomer to the sport, the World Wide Technology Championship offers a compelling narrative that captures the spirit of competition and the thrill of the chase.
Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/golf/world-wide-technology-championship-preview-course-field-history-tee-times-how-to-watch ]