CareerBuilder Challenge now ‘Desert Classic’, golf tournament returns for 60th year
In 1960, it was introduced as the Palm Springs Golf Classic. In 2015, a new title sponsor joined the long history of the tournament in the desert. On May 11 of 2015, CareerBuilder was named as the new title sponsor of what was then known as the Bob Hope Classic; the introductory news release stated that the partnership would run through 2021.
That initial partnership will fall short in its final two years, as it was announced Thursday that CareerBuilder will no longer have its name on the PGA Tour event. Out with the CareerBuilder Challenge, in with the Desert Classic.
“The Desert Classic is back and we are excited for the tremendous opportunity going forward to work with Desert Classic Charities and our strong team of sponsors and loyal volunteers building on the event’s success and rich history of giving back in the desert,” said The Desert Classic Charities Board of Directors and Executive Director Jeff Sanders in a statement. “The fan-friendly entertainment model that was implemented over the last couple of years featuring great food and drink and live music after PGA TOUR golf will return by popular demand this year.”
The PGA Tour event will enter its 60th year and will once again be hosted a PGA West in La Quinta. The event will run from January 14-20.
“The Desert Classic has a phenomenal 60-year history as a major sporting event in the Coachella Valley stemming back to the days of the Bob Hope Desert Classic resulting in over 60 million dollars for local charities,” John Foster, President of the Desert Classic Charities Board of Directors said. “We look forward to working with the Lagardère Sports team in securing a great new partner as our Title Sponsor and to another 60 wonderful years.”
2018’s tournament saw a host of marquee pros take the course in La Quinta, including Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson, Patrick Reed, John Daly, and defending champion Jon Rahm.
On the entertainment side of things, the CareerBuilder Challenge’s concert series touted headliners Huey Lewis and the News and the Goo Goo Dolls. 10,000 people turned out for the concerts alone.
The concert headliners are expected to be announced on November 8.
Download the KESQ & CBS Local 2 app on iTunes or Google Play for up-to-the-minute breaking news alerts & more
More: I-Team and Stands for You investigations
Find us on Facebook: KESQ News Channel 3 & CBS Local 2
Follow us on Twitter for breaking news updates: @KESQ & @Local2
We’re on Instagram! @KESQ_News_Channel_3 & @CBSLocal2
Noticias en español: Telemundo 15
