Every year, the Humana Challenge Golf Tournament brings lots of excitement to bucolic La Quinta—and this year was no different. For most of the tournament, Scott Stallings was the leader. But on the final day, there was much to talk about when Charles Howell III, David Lingmerth and Brian Gay came from behind, ending up in a three-way tie. Owners of La Quinta real estate, visitors and other area locals were able to witness one of the most exciting 18th hole this year, when Longmerth hit his ball in the water, leaving only Gay and Howell to playing number 10 for a tiebreaker. Howell’s shot ended up in the bunker with Gay’s just off the green—Gay won the tournament for his fourth PGA win and the $1,008,000 prize.
Formerly known as the Bob Hope Classic, this 72-hole tournament is part of the PGA Tour’s early season West Coast Swing, and is renowned for its celebrity pro-am. In fact, it formerly was only a pro-am, including the many years that it was hosted by legendary icon, Bob Hope. In 2012, Humana changed its format to a traditional four round tournament, played over three different courses: Palmer Private at PGA WEST, Nicklaus Private at PGA WEST and La Quinta Country Club, all favorites of residents and owners of La Quinta real estate. The first 54 holes of the Pro-Am features each of the 156 pros partnering with a different amateur each day. On Sunday, the low 70 professionals play the final round. We always suggest that clients who are viewing homes in Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells and Palm Desert spend one of their days here at this incredible, star-studded event.
The Clinton Foundation partnered with the PGA, committing to help make this tournament a part of its mission to bring the message of healthy living to American through golf. While President Clinton was at the tournament on Thursday, he did not play. He was unable to stay through the entire tournament, due to his obligation to attend the Presidential Inauguration. But how exciting for residents throughout and those who own homes in Rancho Mirage and La Quinta to get a glimpse of the former president. He’ll attend all five days of the 2014 tournament!
Celebrities who participated included Eric Dickerson, Alice Cooper, Marshall Faulk, Don Felder and local resident Carson Daly, among others. Organized by the non-profit organization, Desert Classic Charities, the Human Challenge has donated more than $52 billion to the Eisenhower Medical Center and a multitude of other local nonprofit organizations.
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