18 shooting to win at Northwestern Mutual

For the 18 players vying for supremacy at this week’s Northwestern Mutual World Challenge in glorious early winter weather, merely qualifying for the field is confirmation of a successful year.

Though the four-round tournament hosted by five-time champion Tiger Woods is not a PGA Tour event, it offers official world ranking points and every player competing at Sherwood Country Club this week is ranked in the top 30.

“Sherwood is a lovely place to come to, and California this time of the year is a great place to play,” England’s Lee Westwood said on Tuesday after an extended practice session in bright sunshine with his swing coach, Sean Foley.

Jordan Spieth, who won the John Deere Classic in July before capping a sensational debut season by being voted the PGA Tour’s Rookie of the Year for 2013, was especially delighted to be making his maiden appearance at the event.

Reuters