Stars From The Previous Century Aligning For Clinton Desert Initiative
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Still waiting for the big names to sign up for the Humana Challenge, as predicted expected when former President Bill Clinton signed up to help resuscitate the former Bob Hope Classic. (There's a fun Thomas Friedman interview with Clinton in the new Golf Digest, with some of the least interesting excerpts available here.)
However, luring Greg Norman--who still feels guilty about whatever happened in his backyard back in 1997--stands as the biggest "get" so far with only two weeks to go? Really?
For Immediate Release...
World Golf Hall of Famer Greg Norman to play in Humana Challenge
Former World No. 1 and two-time British Open champion has played the event just once before
LA QUINTA, Calif. – Two-time British Open champion, former World No. 1 and World Golf Hall of Fame member Greg Norman will play in this month’s Humana Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation, adding further appeal and intrigue to the tournament.
Captain of the International Team at the last two Presidents Cups, Norman has amassed 70 international titles to go along with his 20 PGA TOUR wins throughout his stellar career. Between 1995 and ’97, he spent a then-record 96 consecutive weeks atop the Official World Golf Rankings, and his 331 weeks all-time as World No. 1 are second only to Tiger Woods.
“We’re thrilled to be able to add Greg Norman to our tournament field,” said Humana Challenge Tournament Chairman Larry Thiel. “Greg continues to be one of the great names in golf. Because he plays a limited schedule, we know golf fans in Southern California and our national and international TV audiences will enjoy having the rare opportunity to see him compete.”
The Humana Challenge is scheduled for Jan. 16-22. For the third consecutive year, the $5.6 million tournament will take place entirely within La Quinta, where players will compete for a $1.008 million winner’s check, the largest in event history, and the new Bob Hope Memorial Trophy, at La Quinta Country Club and the Palmer and Nicklaus Private Courses at PGA WEST. Tickets, beginning at $25, can be secured online at www.humanachallenge.com, by calling 1-888-672-4673, or by visiting Lumpy’s, the “Official Golf Retail Partner” for the Humana Challenge, in La Quinta and Rancho Mirage.
“After a conversation with President Clinton, and also with my good friend Scott McCarron’s encouragement, I’m all too happy to support President Clinton’s commitment to the Humana Challenge and his Foundation,” Norman said.
Wait a second...that could be the first time Scott McCarron and Bill Clinton are placed on the same tier of international influence!
Anyway, go on Greg...
“I’m confident with the recent changes to the tournament’s sponsorship and format, and with the support President Clinton will give, this event, which has been one of the most iconic tournaments for decades, will once again establish itself as one of `the’ tournaments to play in.”
Actually, looks like business as usual. Tim, you better start strong-arming some of your stars!
Other early commitments to the 2012 Humana Challenge include defending champion Jhonattan Vegas, 2011 FedExCup champion and 2010 event champion Bill Haas, 2001 PGA Championship winner David Toms and 2007 Masters champion Zach Johnson. Vegas is one of eight past champions who has committed to the 2012 Humana Challenge, joining Haas, Pat Perez (2009), Charley Hoffman (2007), Chad Campbell (2006), Justin Leonard (2005), Steve Jones (1998) and Mark Brooks (1996).
