‘Desert Classic’ Coming Back in 2019
PGA TOUR event will celebrate 60 years of giving back to local charities and its rich history in the Coachella Valley.
LA QUINTA, CA – The Desert Classic Charities Board of Directors and Executive Director Jeff Sanders of Lagardère Sports announced today that the 2019 edition of the PGA TOUR event previously known as the CareerBuilder Challenge will be returning January 14-20 in La Quinta, CA at PGA WEST as the ‘Desert Classic.’ Now in its 60th year, this iconic PGA TOUR event is moving back to its original name to celebrate its long history in the Coachella Valley, dating back to the late 1950s.
“The Desert Classic is back and we are excited for the tremendous opportunity going forward to work with Desert Classic Charities and our strong team of sponsors and loyal volunteers building on the event’s success and rich history of giving back in the desert. The fan friendly entertainment model that was implemented over the last couple of years featuring great food and drink and live music after PGA TOUR golf will return by popular demand this year,” said Sanders.
John Foster, President of the Desert Classic Charities Board of Directors, added, “The Desert Classic has a phenomenal 60year history as a major sporting event in the Coachella Valley stemming back to the days of the Bob Hope Desert Classic resulting in over 60 million dollars for local charities. We look forward to working with the Lagardère Sports team in securing a great new partner as our title sponsor and to another 60 wonderful years.”
The 2019 Desert Classic will continue to offer an enhanced fan experience by providing three amazing on-course fan venues, high energy concerts after golf on Friday and Saturday nights on the PGA WEST driving range and world class PGA TOUR golf headlined by tournament ambassador Phil Mickelson and defending champion Jon Rahm. Last year, these new additions resulted in both a fun atmosphere for the sponsors and fans and a dramatic increase in attendance.
In 2018, the tournament had one of its strongest player fields in years featuring Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm, Patrick Reed, Bubba Watson, Brandt Snedeker, John Daly and more. Following the golf on Friday and Saturday nights were concerts by Huey Lewis and the News and Goo Goo Dolls, drawing upwards of 10,000 people for the concerts alone.
“There is no better place on the PGA TOUR to host an event than La Quinta, California under sunny skies to start every year in January,” said Sanders. “The weather is normally the best in the country, the entertainment value with the golf and music is the most attractive and affordable on the PGA TOUR, and the long history of great PGA TOUR golf and giving back to the local community, with proceeds going to
TOUR golf,” said Sanders. We are bringing back two nights of music for all to enjoy. The best way to have fun and cap off a great day at the Desert Classic is to rock’ to the hits performed by the legendary Sammy Hagar & The Circle on Friday and Bad Company on Saturday nights after golf.”
Tickets for the 2019 Desert Classic went on sale on November 8. Daily tickets are only $30 and include admission to enjoy PGA TOUR golf, three on-course hospitality venues including the Vons Pavilion behind the 18th green, Casamigos Tequila Club 17, Beers fore Birdies on the 16th green and concerts on the driving range after golf on Friday and Saturday night. There are no cover charges or upgraded tickets needed for admission to the on-course hospitality venues or to attend the concerts.
For more event information and to buy tickets visit Desert-Classic.com.
Escape Winter to Play Caribbean’s No. 1 Course
LA ROMANA, Dominican Republic) – Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – home to the Caribbean’s premier, luxury golf experiences, including the iconic Teeth of the Dog course – offers a range of three to 11 bedroom villas ideal for golf group winter getaways at the world-class destination.
Starting at $249 (per person, per night, double occupancy), all villa options offer children’s charities in the Coachella Valley, makes the Desert Classic a can’t miss event.”
Kicking off the concert series on Friday night will be Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and former Van Halen lead singer Sammy Hagar and his supergroup The Circle — featuring his longtime bassist Michael Anthony, the renowned bassist who’s played with him for the past 30 years in bands including Van Halen and Chickenfoot; Jason Bonham, the acclaimed drummer and son of Led Zeppelin’s iconic drummer, John Bonham; and Vic Johnson, Hagar’s longtime guitar virtuoso who seamlessly shreds through his own, as well as some of rock’s most iconic guitarist’s riffs. The band takes fans on a musical journey through rock history with a set list spanning hits from Montrose, Sammy’s solo career, Van Halen and with Bonham on board, even a few Led Zeppelin classics.
Rock supergroup Bad Company with legendary singer/songwriter, Paul Rodgers, will take the stage on Saturday night performing their chart-topping hits Bad Company, Can’t Get Enough, Feel Like Makin’ Love, Shooting Star and many more. The band includes original drummer Simon Kirke, guitarist Howard Leese and Todd Ronning on bass.
“We are excited to bring back our popular golf festival model again this year featuring exciting high energy music, great food, wine, beer, spirits, and world class PGA a private pool, stylish living areas, and unique touches. From secluded Garden Villas showcasing the area’s abundant flora to the tranquil splendor of the Caribbean coast in an Oceanfront Villa, each style offers contemporary designs. Daily breakfast, private maid service and full-access to a wide range of on-site activities are additional highlights.
The Dominican Republic was also recently named the 2019 Golf Destination of the Year for Latin America and the Caribbean by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators. Trips are highlighted by the opportunity to play the widely recognized No. 1 course in the Caribbean, Pete Dye’s Teeth of the Dog, as well as the resort’s two additional Pete Dye gems: Dye Fore ( 27 holes) and The Links (18).
When escaping the cold weather this winter, villa stays are perfect for the golf buddy trip in paradise. They include use of four-passenger golf carts for easy travel throughout the 7,500-acre resort, complimentary Wi-Fi and unlimited use of the resort’s fitness center.
“To fully enjoy one of the world’s best golf destinations, a stay in one of our villas is the logical choice,” says Jason Kycek, senior vice president of sales & marketing at Casa de Campo. “When considering the three Pete Dye designed courses, new state-of-theart Golf Learning Center and vast array of amenities, Casa de Campo offers something for every golfer.”
Since opening in 1974, Teeth of the Dog has been a “bucket list” layout for those seeking to play one of the top 50 golf courses in the world. Dye’s design hallmarks are all present: railroad ties, vast waste areas, peninsula greens and tees, hand-sculpted putting surfaces and a unique assortment of pot bunkers. “The Heaven 7” oceanfront holes are astoundingly beautiful, causing Dye to famously quip: “I created 11 holes and God created seven.”
The resort recently opened its new worldclass Golf Learning Center. Highlighted by Trackman and BODITRAK technology, it features two indoor hitting bays for rapid game improvement, year-round training, individual and group golf lessons and schools, and expert club-fitting and repair.
Residing on 21 acres of “pure grass,” the PGA Tour-quality facility also showcases practice greens for honing putting, chipping and pitching games as well as unlimited use of the pristine outdoor range for full shots. On-course instruction is also available.
For more information on Casa de Campo Resort & Villas please call 800.877.3643. email golf@ccampo.com.do or visit: www.casadecampo.com.do facebook.com/casadecamporesort