Per a press release from the company, Lagardère Sports will manage all aspects of the PGA Tour’s CareerBuilder Challenge. Desert Classic Charities, the charitable entity that has operated the Coachella Valley’s PGA Tour event since its inception in 1960 and will continue to oversee the charitable donations made to local non-profits from the tournament’s proceeds.
Lagardère Sports’ Golf Events division has a successful track record when it comes to growing and adding value to professional golf tournaments generating $125 million for charity through its golf events over the past 28 years. In addition to the CareerBuilder Challenge the global agency also manages the Safeway Open PGA Tour event and a series of Web.com Tour and charity golf tournaments.
Prior to becoming the tournament operator, Lagardère Sports served as the management consultant firm for the 2017 event and recruited 42-time PGA Tour champion and World Golf Hall of Fame member Phil Mickelson aboard as “Tournament Ambassador,” a title he will continue to hold and expand at the 2018 event. Executive Vice President of Golf Events at Lagardère Sports, Jeff Sanders, will become the new Executive Director of the CareerBuilder Challenge, in addition to continuing to serve as the Executive Director of the Safeway Open.
“We are honored to be named the management company for the CareerBuilder Challenge and look forward to taking an active role in the future of this iconic event by working together with the team at Desert Classic Charities and the PGA Tour,” said Sanders. “As a former Bob Hope Desert Classic PGA Tour participant, and resident of La Quinta, this is a dream come true for me. We look forward to implementing our golf entertainment model at PGA West, and enhancing the tournament experience for the fans, players, sponsors and volunteers.”
The 2018 CareerBuilder Challenge will take place in La Quinta, California from January 17-21 on three courses – the Stadium and Jack Nicklaus Tournament Courses at PGA WEST and La Quinta Country Club. More information about the tournament can be found on its website, here.
About Desert Classic Charities
Desert Classic Charities is the beneficiary of the PGA TOUR event in the Coachella Valley, and has contributed more than $58 million to Coachella Valley charitable organizations with the monies it has received since the tournament’s inception. The scope of giving is broad and includes support for structured and mentoring programs for children, social services, and food and safe shelter for the less fortunate. Desert Classic Charities is dedicated to continuing its mission to serve human needs in the Coachella Valley and beyond by generating funds and opportunities every year through the event.
About Lagardère Sports
Lagardère Sports is a leading sports marketing agency with a global network of local experts dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that meet our clients’ needs. We believe sport inspires emotions and passion that are essential to enriching people’s lives and generate powerful collective experiences. At Lagardère Sports, we dedicate our expertise and passion to providing our clients with privileged access to the infinite opportunities of sports. Lagardère Sports is part of Lagardère Sports and Entertainment, a company with more than 1,600 employees worldwide and 50 years of experience.