2009 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic Winner Pat Perez

 
Pat Perez lined up on the 18th green and sank a putt for Eagle to edge Jim Merrick by three strokes with a thirty three under.

HISTORY

Founded in 1960 – and believed to be one of the most important years in the history of the game of golf – the Palm Springs Golf Classic would put golf on the front page of America's sports pages. Arnold Palmer dominated the field in its first year, totaling a 338 (22 under par) and setting a tournament record of five wins, that would not be broken for nearly 20 years.

In 1965, Bob Hope had his name permanently married to the event naming it the Bob Hope Classic. Twenty years later the tournament was renamed the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, adding Chrysler to the tournaments name as its title sponsor.

More than a showcase of celebrity and pro golf forte, the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic exists to support charities that help the needy and less fortunate. The Bob Hope Chrysler Classic distributes its net proceeds to the Eisenhower Medical Center, as well as forty deserving charities in the Coachella Valley. To date, over $43 million has been distributed since 1960.

From the start, the Classic has attracted an unbelievable array of celebrities to compete in the tournament's pro-am competition. Some of the early stars and most recent include: Bing Crosby, Kirk Douglas, Desi Arnaz, Joe DiMaggio, Clint Eastwood, Alice Cooper, Eddie Van Halen, Justin Timberlake, Goldberg and Mario Lemieux. Dwight Eisenhower was the first former President to play in the tournament, as have Presidents Gerald Ford, George Bush and Bill Clinton.