LEGENDS: CLASSIC MOMENTS

Indian Wells among four desert golf courses in the rotation for the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.

More than four decades ago, golfer Bob Rosburg, known better in recent years as a straight-talking on-course golf commentator for ABC, was asked if he could come up with a new twist for a golf tournament to be called the Palm Springs Invitational.

He said he thought he could.

This year, the 41st annual Bob Hope Chrysler Classic still offers many of the unique elements devised by Rosburg, who won the tournament in 1972. Slated for Jan. 17-23, the tournament is a 90-hole, five-day celebrity pro-am tournament played on four spectacular desert courses, including Associate Club Indian Wells Country Club. (Also in the rotation are the Palmer Private Course at PGAWest, La Quinta Country Club, and this year’s “host course” Bermuda Dunes Country Club.)

The short 6,600-yard Indian Wells course traditionally has been pivotal in the competition over the years, providing some of the best birdie opportunities. The key holes to watch are typically Nos. 10 and 11, the toughest being the 446-yard par-4 No. 10. A long drive must avoid trees to the left and a large tree and out-of-bounds to the right. The 398-yard par-4 11th doglegs to the left and has a slick, sloping green that makes pin position critical.

Adding to the allure of this tournament was Bob Hope’s agreement to put his name on it in 1965. And what an apt pairing it’s been — the Classic has blessed golf fans with more than a full share of treasured golf memories of some remarkable players.

Arnold Palmer no doubt must be remembered as the player of the 1960s when he won the tournament in 1960, 1962, and 1968. In the first 10 years of the Classic, Palmer had six top-five finishes and won a whopping $46,594. Johnny Miller earned the nickname “Desert Fox” for his dominating performances and back-to-back Classic wins in 1975 and 1976. The 1980s opened with a victory by Craig Stadler, who netted a then-record $50,000 first-place check. And, of course, David Duval provided last year’s drama when he capped his 1999 victory with a brilliant 59 at the Palmer Private Course at PGA West to edge Steve Pate for the $540,000 first prize from the total purse of $3 million.

What will the 2000s bring?  More celebrities, great golf, and a special thanks for the memories to Mr. Hope.

For ticket information, call 888-MR B HOPE or visit www.bhcc.com.