Bob Hope Celebrity Tournament yields to the Humana Challenge
Bob Hope Classic, a tournament which has been associated with the legendary entertainer Bob Hope for years, will be called the Humana Challenge from now on.
The decision regarding the change of the tournament's name was announced by the former President of the United States, Bill Clinton.
The Bob Hope Classic remained a lively tournament for years. Lately, however, according to some sources, it had lost its credibility and prestige, which forced the officials to change its identity.
The tournament was first played in 1960. This is not the first time that it has had its name changed.
Initially, the tournament was called Palm Spring Golf Classic. The 5-round tournament was famous for featuring leading players.
Every year, Bob welcomes the golf leaders, legends and celebrities at the California desert, USA.
Another change is fewer days for game play. With the change in its identity, the tournament has been converted to the standard four days.
These steps were taken by the officials in a bid to make the tournament more appealing and entertaining.
According to the history, four-day events have been more successful when compared with five days or less. Similarly, 90 holes have also been reduced to the standard 72 holes.
Now, after over 46 years, the Bob Hope Celebrity Tournament is going through a new phase. Observers have expressed hope that the new identity will help the officials reel in more money.
The former US president is the lucky person to be associated with the tournament and the complete name of the tournament will be the Humana Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation.
After 2008, the doors for sponsorships were opened for the tournament, bringing in a much-needed sponsorship.
Clinton’s involvement is being seen as a good step, as it is expected to attract even more sponsorship deals.
Bill Clinton did not take the complete honour from Bob Hope, another appealing factor. With the new name, the tournament winner will still receive the Bob Hop trophy.
However, this is the only connection left for Hope to keep him associated with his tournament.
The Humana Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation is scheduled from January 19 to 22, on the same golf course, the La Quinta, California.
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