Phil Mickelson has selected the Callaway RAZR X Irons Challenge at La Quinta, later this month as his 2012 debut tournament.
The four-time major winner, who is also a two-time winner (2002 and 2004) and the leading all-time money winner in this rare, 90-hole pro-am celebrity event previously known as the Bob Hope Classic, believes that many of his best seasons have been launched at La Quinta.
"Some of my best seasons have come after starting at this event and I'm really excited about coming back again with Callaway RAZR X Irons," Mickelson, a 39-times PGA Tour winner, said in a statement released this week.
The former World No 2 has not played in the tournament since 2007, but was persuaded to return for this year's event by it's new organisers, who will partner the William J. Clinton Foundation established by the formerUS president.
"I'm honoured to join President Clinton and the Clinton Foundation for the Humana Challenge," Mickelson said.
"I admire the President and the charitable work of his Foundation, which helps millions of people around the world."( Callaway RAZR X Irons)
Mickelson, whose world ranking has slipped to 14th, will join previous winners Jhonattan Vegas ofVenezuela (2011) and Americans Bill Haas (2010), Chad Campbell (2006) and Justin Leonard (2005) when the event tees off on January 18.