Humana Challenge Preserves Hope’s Legacy

This year’s Humana Challenge comes after a year of changes and planning.

Despite the new name and the new format, there are still plenty of reminders of Bob Hope’s legacy. The Bob Hope legacy Pro-Am bears his name, as does the new memorial trophy and the staple of the fan experience, the Bob Hope Square.

Beyond the physical reminders, his spirit can also be seen through the tournament’s continued contributions to the charities Hope supported. The continued focus on his legacy comes as a great relief to many longtime supporters of the tournament.

“Most of us want to see that carry on, and we’re glad to see they’re continuing to have some reference to it,” said Bruce Richards from La Quinta. “But it’s obvious Humana’s really improved the event and it looks like it’s going to be very successful.”

The continued success of the tournament is a testament to the foundation Hope laid.

“Well I think it’s huge for the Coachella Valley and that’s what Bob Hope supported, so I think his legacy lives on,” said La Quinta resident John Richart.

The new sponsors, Humana and the Clinton Foundation, agreed to eight-year commitments to the tournament and an unspoken agreement to preserve Hope’s spirit.

“All of us are very excited with the openness that our sponsors have had with keeping the Bob Hope legacy going,” said tournament president John Foster. “I know the Hope family’s excited about it, so when you show up out here, you’re going to see a lot of Bob Hope.”

“It’s just everywhere you look and the things that you feel and the nice thing about that is that the commitment from both President Clinton and Humana is to continue that kind of commitment to his legacy,” said Larry Thiel, tournament chairman.

Clinton showed his gratitude for Hope, his dear friend, at his “Health Matters” conference. “I want to thank Bob Hope for his legacy and the friendship I had with him,” Clinton said.

He went on to share stories about Hope’s love for golf and fitness.

“The guy aimed his putt, and he putted his ball within two inches and he tapped in for par at 95 — because he walked an hour a day, every single day,” said Clinton.

Hope’s lifestyle is what makes the new partnership a perfect match for the tournament.

“He did so much for the Valley and for well-being and we want to extend that legacy,” said Humana’s Tom Noland.