Bob Hope Classic Drops ‘Bob Hope’ From Name

One of the most renowned golf tournaments in Southern California will drop the name of the man who started the tournament, Bob Hope.

Organizers announced the change to the Humana Challenge on Thursday after Louisville, Ky.-based Humana agreed to sign on as the primary sponsor for eight years.

The William J. Clinton Foundation will serve as co-sponsor.

The event had been held on several courses through La Quinta for three years without a sponsor after Chrysler pulled out in 2008.

Bob Hope began the tournament as a way to raise money for charities in the Palm Springs area 52 years ago. Hope passed away in 2003.

?The Humana Challenge is conceived as a new kind of experience; a premier PGA tour event that simultaneously immerses players, spectators and viewers in a variety of innovative and fun events around the theme of lifelong well-being,? said Mike McCallister, Humana?s chairman and chief executive officer.

Part of the new experience will include the change from a five-day tournament to four, with the first three rounds played in a pro-am format.

The number of courses that will be used in the rotation will be reduced from four to three. They include, La Quinta Country Club, a tournament course since 1965; PGA WEST Nicklaus Private and PGA WEST Palmer Private; PGA WEST has been in the rotation since 1986.

Though the city-owned SilverRock Resort course will no longer be utilized, the event will continue its close partnership with the city of La Quinta as it provides support services and joint-marketing efforts for the event, McCallister said.

?We believe these format changes align with the new strategic direction of the tournament and the weeklong experience that is being developed with Humana and the Clinton Foundation,? PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem said. ?It will be a very special and engaging week that focuses on health and well-being in addition to outstanding golf.?

The Humana Challenge will be played in La Quinta Jan. 16-22.