Desert Classic Today

Arguably possessing the most star-studded, dynamic history on the PGA Tour, the Desert Classic has returned to form in recent years, putting fans next to VIP entertainers and athletes, and putting pro-am participants alongside top pros like Justin Rose, Jon Rahm and tournament ambassador Phil Mickelson. Following a few changes, the Palm Springs-area event is on a vibrant upswing thanks to Lagardère Sports, which has run the tournament for the past two years. Their strategy is simple: bring back the fun.

“We brought back the ‘Desert Classic’ name,” says event Executive Director Jeff Sanders. “We’re bringing back entertainment, we’re bringing back music, we’re bringing back the idea that everyone should have a great time at an affordable price.” It’s working. Nightly concerts from top bands like Goo Goo Dolls, Sammy Hagar, Bad Co. and others, and access to exciting hospitality areas with large TVs and great food and beverage options—all included in the price of admission—plus the desert’s status as a great place to start each year doing business and entertaining clients, all have spurred the event’s recent threefold growth, with one paper referring to it as “Golfchella.” Workday is the presenting partner, and Lagardère is looking for a suitable title sponsor, one that complements growth and the tournaments’ incredible distinctions. Consider that with a three-day pro-am, participants get to play with six different PGA TOUR pros—while those pros are competing to win. There’s nothing like it on TOUR. Somewhere, Bob Hope is smiling.