Palmer Private Course to Host Bob Hope Chrysler Classic

As it celebrates its 50th anniversary tournament January 19-25, 2009, the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic will be held on the Palmer Private Course at PGA West. Other courses in the 2009 rotation will be Bermuda Dunes Country Club, an original course in the first tournament in 1960, La Quinta's SilverRock Resort, which debuted in 2008, and the Nicklaus Private Course at PGA West, in the rotation for the first time.

Arnold Palmer will serve as host for the 50th anniversary Classic. Palmer played in the tournament 42 of its 50 years and he is the only five-time champion, winning the inaugural tournament in 1960 and again in 1962, '68, '71 and '73. He won a total of 62 PGA Tour titles.

The Classic Club, the flagship course of the tournament and host club in 2006-08, will not be in the rotation in 2009, but will be included in other Classic activities. The Palmer Private Course at PGA West first served as the host course in 1990, then did the same in 1993, '99 and from 2001-05.

"The Berger Foundation understands the rotation adjustment for the 50th anniversary and is anticipating added events for the Classic Club that will add financial support for Valley charities along with the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic event," stated Ron Auen, President of the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation.

"We are looking forward with great anticipation to our 50th anniversary tournament," said Classic president John Foster. "We are excited about the courses in our 2009 rotation and we know they will offer excellent competitive conditions for our professionals and amateurs.

"Classic Club is a wonderful, challenging course donated to the tournament by the Berger Foundation," added Foster. "It provides the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic organization with significant flexibility now and in the future. Because the tournament format includes the use of private clubs, the rotation is set annually. Thus in 2010 and beyond, the rotation will be reviewed for the good of the tournament."

The five-day Classic is played each winter on four different desert courses. It features 128 top PGA Tour professionals and 384 amateur contestants, including a stellar list of 30 celebrities. In its 49 years the tournament has donated over $45 million to local charities throughout the Coachella Valley.

Tickets are priced at $25 per day, with several packages offering additional savings. For more information, call 888.MRBHOPE (672.4673) or visit www.bhcc.com.