World Challenge 2012 preview: Tiger Woods, Bubba Watson headline the field

The golf world will be focused on Southern California this weekend as Tiger Woods and other notable players take to the course for the 2012 World Challenge.

The event, which begins Thursday from the Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, features 18 of the top players in the world. In addition to Woods, FedExCup champion Brandt Snedeker as well as 2012 major winners Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson headline the field. Of the 18 participants, 13 played in the 2012 Ryder Cup.

Woods, who is the defending champion, is also heavily involved in the tournament. The tournament is sponsored by Northwestern Mutual with all proceeds going to college-access programs of the Tiger Woods Foundation. There will also be something on the line for the players as the winner will receive $1 million of the $4 million purse.

In addition to Woods, Watson, Simpson and Snedeker, the other participants include; Ian Poulter, Graeme McDowell, Keegan Bradley, Jason Dufner, Dustin Johnson, Zach Johnson, Matt Kuchar, Steve Stricker, Jim Furyk, Jason Day, Rickie Fowler, Hunter Mahan, Bo Van Pelt and Nick Watney.