Sunny Weather Welcomes Fans To The Humana Golf Challenge

The 2012 Humana Golf Challenge is teeing off in the Coachella Valley this week. Once known as the Bob Hope Classic, the week-long tournament is bringing in golf fans from all over the world.

Norm Jary is visiting from Canada.

“I love golf, I love watching the golfers. I really enjoy the game myself,” said Jary.

Angela DaSilva is also from Canada and this is her second visit to the tournament.

“I watch golf regularly and (want) to see some of the top players out and play, and see some celebrities,” said DaSilva.

She is excited to be here this year but wishes the event would have kept Bob Hope’s name.

“He’s done so much for the troops and the country that it would be nice to keep his name in the challenge,” said DaSilva.

Larry Thiel, tournament chairman, said Hope will never be forgotten.

“We’ve never lost our association with Bob Hope and the legacy that he has is always going to be present here throughout the tournament,” said Thiel.

Jim Turner is with Humana, and said they support a healthier lifestyle and encourage fans to take advantage of the course and stay active.

“Walk the course. You know over the course of 18 holes it’s about a 5-to 6-mile walk an entire course. You can really get a lot of steps,” said Turner.

Pedometers will be given to 12,000 people this week so they can measure their activity step-by step.

“The steps they take are going to count toward a charitable donation that Humana will make after the tournament to local Coachella Valley charities,” said Turner.

Jary says he’s happy to support the cause.

“We’ll participate in everything we can,” said Jary.

Larry Thiel said they are thankful for the beautiful weather.

“Mr. Hope is looking down on us and saying ‘ You know, I like where you’re going and I’m going to make sure everything goes just fine this week,'” said Thiel.