New tournament operator announced for CareerBuilder Challenge
The CareerBuilder Challenge announced Tuesday that it will now be managed by the global sports agency, Lagardère Sports.
Desert Classic Charities, the charitable entity that has operated the Coachella Valley’s PGA TOUR event since its inception in 1960, reached that agreement with the PGA TOUR and Lagardère Sports.
The Board of Directors at Desert Classic Charities will continue to oversee the charitable donations made to local non-profits from the proceeds of the tournament.
The agency has increased charitable contributions for several tournaments they have managed, including generating $125 million for charity through its golf events over the past 28 years.
Lagardère Sports previously served as management consultant firm for the 2017 CareerBuilder Challenge and brought 42-time PGA TOUR champion and World Golf Hall of Fame member Phil Mickelson on board as Tournament Ambassador.
Mickelson will continue his role as Ambassador at next year’s event. Jeff Sanders, Executive Vice President of Golf Events at Lagardère Sports, will be the new Executive Director of the CareerBuilder Challenge.
“We are honored to be named the management company for the CareerBuilder Challenge and look forward to taking an active role in the future of this iconic event by working together with the team at Desert Classic Charities and the PGA TOUR,” Sanders said. “As a former Bob Hope Desert Classic PGA TOUR participant, and resident of La Quinta, this is a dream come true for me. We look forward to implementing our golf entertainment model at PGA WEST, and enhancing the tournament experience for the fans, players, sponsors, and volunteers.”
The 2018 CareerBuilder Challenge will be played January 17-21 in La Quinta. A field of 156 amateurs and 156 PGA TOUR professionals will tee it up on three courses – the Stadium and Jack Nicklaus Tournament Courses at PGA WEST, and La Quinta Country Club.
Tickets to the tournament will be available in October.
