The golf tournament formerly known as the Bob Hope Classic has a future, thanks to American Express taking the lead with a sponsorship deal set to run for multiple years, in a deal done earlier this Fall. This was all reported by Golf Digest. With the event rumored to be falling off the map of the PGA Tour, there’s even more reason to be excited about it being around thanks to Phil Mickelson’s involvement as the official host starting in the year 2020.
The American Express Golf Tournament Signs Phil Mickelson to Host
The 49 year old golfer, and namesake of this fan blog, has been an ambassador of the event in the past, and now he will be front and center instead of working behind the scenes. Mickelson has been the champion of this tournament twice and also finished second last year in the same event, then called the Desert Classic. He also owns a property in the Madison Club in La Quinta, where it will be played.
It’s always been an important part of my life. I would come out here and play junior tournaments here
-Phil Mickelson
he continued….
I’ve always been passionate about here, and I love the tournament itself. But more than that, this tournament has meant historically a lot to this area, and I want to bring back the vision of Bob Hope.
-Phil Mickelson
Featuring 156 PGA Tour professionals as well as some amateurs participating at three different courses in La Quinta, the American Express will have a huge $6.7 million purse, which is up from last years purse by $800,000. With Mickelson on board now, the tournament will focus on getting more depth, something that has been difficult over the last few events.
With perfect weather, a large purse, and a head start on 2020, I don’t see why any golfers would avoid this event!
After falling out of the top 50 golfers in the world for the first time in 26 years, Phil is looking for his new diet and workout regimen to help him on tour now that he is looking at turning 50.
Last year, Adam Long won the event. This years American Express will start on January 16, 2020. It’s also been rumored that they will feature musical acts by country music star Luke Bryan, and Rock N Roll legend Stevie Nicks. For more information, visit: https://www.theamexgolf.com/.