International financial services company American Express has agreed to become the title sponsor of the PGA Tour’s Desert Classic Pro-Am event in Palm Springs, California, in a multiyear deal.
The event – which is held across PGA West’s Stadium and Jack Nicklaus Tournament Resort Courses, as well as the La Quinta Country Club – will be known as The American Express. The first tournament under the new name will be held on Jan. 16-19, 2020.
The 61-year-old tournament – long associated with late American comedian Bob Hope – was previously title sponsored by Chrysler, Humana, and CareerBuilder, among others, and did not have a title partner earlier this year.
The tournament format features 156 pros and 156 amateurs playing on the three courses. Two amateurs play with two different PGA Tour professionals in each foursome of the event.
American Express is expected to give some of the amateur berths to its premier customers and clients.