The Hope Is A Throwback Event

USA Today calls The Bob Hope a “throwback event.”

Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Glen Campbell, Andy Williams, Sammy Davis Jr.

At one time, there were as many as 10 celebrities who had their names on a PGA Tour event. The only name that remains from the era of the 1960s and 1970s is Bob Hope. He was 100 when he died in 2003, but his tournament, the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, begins today with plans to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.

“We’re unique,” said Mike Milthorpe, the tournament director. “We’re not the typical 72-hole event.”

It’s the only 90-hole event left on the Tour. The five days of competition are spread over four courses in a pro-am format that lasts for four days, with celebrities playing with the pros. The final round, featuring pros only, is played on the host course, The Classic Club in Palm Desert, Calif.

For some reason, I’ve liked this event more than the Pebble Beach over the past few years. Perhaps it’s because the Pebble has become a two day advertisement for whatever show the network is trying to pump.

It also has the added attraction of being an event that you will never, ever, see Tiger play.

Which probably means that it won’t last much longer.