Brendan Steele will begin a new PGA Tour season, and his third season, next week in our desert back yard.

The Idyllwild native will play in the $5.6 million Humana Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation Tournament, which will be held Thursday, Jan. 17, through Sunday, Jan. 20, on three different courses in La Quinta.

Other popular players competing include Phil Mickelson and Rocco Mediate.

This season is particularly important for Steele because he has no pre-existing exemption for next season. His final 2013 performance in FedEx Cup points or ranking on the official PGA Tour money list will be the basis for earning his 2014 card.

So get away from the snow for a while and enjoy some time in the desert watching some great golf and cheering on our local favorite.

Steele’s tee times for Thursday and Friday can be found at the www.pgatour.com website, along with driving and parking directions and ticket prices.