Inside the Ropes at PGA WEST • November 2021
LOOKING BACK
Arnold Palmer won the tournament
Dve times during his career.
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A
s one of the PGA Tour's longest continuously running events,
the tournament founded as the Palm Springs Golf Classic in
1960 touts an incredible history. Long named for the
legendary Bob Hope and now known as The American
Express, the competition returns to PGA WEST January 20-23. Entering
its seventh decade, here's a look back at its five biggest moments…
1) The debut. A new blend of professional golf and celebrity star power
arrived in 1960 with the birth of the Palm Springs Golf Classic. Arnold
Palmer won the inaugural event for his 14th career victory less than two
years after capturing his first major. In its first five years, the tournament's
champions included Palmer (twice) and Jack Nicklaus, and in 1965 the
event was renamed the Bob Hope Desert Classic.
NATIONAL TREASURE
The all-time 5 most memorable moments from The American Express
David Duval
Jack Nicklaus
Arnold Palmer and Bob Hope
