Officials: Bob Hope Classic a success

The 51st Bob Hope Classic was a success, rain or shine, for La Quinta, city officials said.

Though the city has not received a debriefing of the Classic from organizers, which typically comes at least a month after the event, Assistant City Manager Bret Plumlee said the city is confident in saying “the tournament was a great success.”

“The heroes of the tournament really were the golf course superintendents who performed outstanding work to keep the courses in immaculate playing conditions,” Plumlee said. “The Golf Course Television tournament coverage talked about the unusual weather that took place during this tournament and the fact that the day after the storms, the players, travelers and fans that attended the event experienced beautiful skies and playing conditions.”

And while the La Quinta City Council collectively agreed, Councilman Stanley Sniff Sr. did add that in order for long-term success of the annual golf tournament, Classic organizers need to have some more of the world's top golfers signed up for the tournament.

“They need to make a successful effort to get the top 25 golfers. They already have name recognition and drawing power, but for some reason didn't snag one of the top 25 this year,” Sniff said. “And those are the people that draw the audiences.”

Canadian golfer Mike Weir was the highest ranked player at the Classic, ranked 37 in the world at the time of the tournament. He was the 2003 Classic winner and finished sixth this year.

Nearly two weeks after the annual golf tournament, which took place entirely on La Quinta golf courses, here are the La Quinta City Council members' reflections on the weeklong event:

“I thought it was great. It started off badly, but it finished wonderful with the sun out Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. All in all I thought it was a great venue and great for the city of La Quinta.”

“I thought this year was very well planned and organized and turned out beautifully despite Mother Nature's plans. The people that really deserve credit are the golf course superintendents. They did a yeoman's job of getting that water off the courses”

“With the exception of the weatherman being correct, I think overall the city of La Quinta, along with the Classic staff, orchestrated a wonderful tournament It's a signature event and we'd love to see it continue in the years ahead.”

“All things considered I think it turned out fabulous. Yes, we had a rain delay, but we had a lot of folks in town. I think we can just look forward to bigger and better things.”

“I think that basically in spite of the weather it came out quite well. It was not as good as it could have been, but it was better than it might have been To have a good show, I think they really need a principle sponsor and we'll have to see what they can do.”