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The H. N. & Frances C. Berger
Foundation Donates Classic Course at NorthStar to the Bob Hope Chrysler
Classic - May 06, 2005
http://www.bhcc.com/pressrelease050605.html
The Classic Course at NorthStar was formally gifted by the H.N. &
Francis C. Berger Foundation to the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic during a
festive ceremony held January 24, 2005 in Palm Desert. The Arnold
Palmer-designed championship course opens play in November and will serve
as a host club for the PGA TOUR's Bob Hope Chrysler Classic beginning in
January 2006.
With common goals, the Berger Foundation and the Bob Hope Chrysler
Classic have united their efforts to continue to give to worthwhile
organizations within the Coachella Valley. In addition, the Berger
Foundation guaranteed the Classic a venue worthy of renowned recognition.
Since moving to Palm Desert 10 years ago, the Berger Foundation has
provided generously to various charities throughout the valley, while the
Bob Hope Chrysler Classic has donated more than $40.5 million to charity
since 1960.
"The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation is continually looking
for ways to create long term benefits for the Coachella Valley," said
Ron Auen, president and chief executive officer of the Berger Foundation.
"With that said, the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic is a charity that has
been a leader with its generosity for many, many years in the valley. The
Berger Foundation is developing the Classic Course at NorthStar with
charitable goals in mind. This gift to the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic is a
gift in perpetuity continuing our mutual charitable purposes."
"This is one of the most generous and important gifts ever given a
charity in the Coachella Valley," said John Foster, a member of the
Classic executive board. "What is magical is that this significant
gift from The Berger Foundation is one that will keep on giving. The Bob
Hope Chrysler Classic and the Berger Foundation forged this relationship
because we share a similar goal in offering a helping hand to the youth
and needy of the Coachella Valley. The entire Bob Hope Chrysler Classic
family is grateful for this incredibly generous gift, which will have a
dramatic impact on the future of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic."
With the Classic Course at NorthStar, the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic
becomes the second PGA TOUR event to own its tournament venue. The Par-72
layout will feature pine-studded fairways, an intricate network of 30
acres of lakes, streams and water features, as well as course contours
that allow dramatic elevations between holes. At 7,536 yards, the course
was conceived to challenge TOUR professionals, but also designed with a
variety of tee options so players of all levels can experience a
challenging and enjoyable round of golf.
"This is a public access golf course with the amenities of the
best of private clubs in our area," said Foster. "It will be so
exciting for the general public to hit shots that they have seen during
the tournament or on network television."
The Classic Course at NorthStar will be one of the most fan-friendly
courses on the PGA TOUR. There will be dozens of spectator mounds
scattered throughout the course, with large elevated "viewing
parks" from which fans will be able to see the action on several
holes from one location. The park-like settings and picnic areas will
provide maximum views of the course and surrounding scenery such as the
snow-capped Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. Jumbotron televisions
scattered throughout will provide even further enjoyment, assuring the
golf fan attending the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic won't miss any of the
action.
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