Sports
Phil Mickelson Named Official Ambassador For CareerBuilder Challenge Tournament
Mickelson takes over for former President Bill Clinton, who served as tournament ambassador since 2011.
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LA QUINTA, CA - Golf pro Phil Mickelson will serve as the official ambassador for La Quinta's CareerBuilder Challenge starting next year, ending the tournament's five-year partnership with the Clinton Foundation, tournament
organizers announced today.
Mickelson will take over for former President Bill Clinton, who had served as tournament ambassador since 2011.
Mickelson has participated in the CareerBuilder Challenge 13 times, winning the tournament in 2002 and 2004, as well as securing five top-10 finishes. His new role will include promotion of the tournament and participation in various functions during tournament week.
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"I'm very excited to undertake the role of tournament ambassador and look forward to doing what I can to help with the continued growth of the CareerBuilder Challenge,'' Mickelson said. "Our family loves the area and we have a home in the Coachella Valley, so this is a natural fit for me.''
The tournament, formerly known as the Bob Hope Classic, partnered with the Clinton Foundation in 2011, hosting tournament play and the annual Health Matters summit, which addressed community health initiatives.
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A labor market and job skills conference hosted by CareerBuilder, the PGA TOUR and Desert Classic Charities will replace the health conference, starting in 2018.
"I have treasured the opportunity over the last five years for the Clinton Foundation to be part of this storied tournament that honors Bob Hope's legacy of service in the Coachella Valley,'' the former president said.
"I'm honored that we could build on that legacy by working with dedicated partners to bring great golf to the desert and improve the health and wellness of nearly 400,000 local residents,'' he said. "I look forward to continuing the foundation's work in the Coachella Valley, and to seeing the exciting new chapter of the tournament's history that will be written with Phil Mickelson joining on as partner with PGA TOUR, Desert Classic Charities and CareerBuilder.''
--City News Service/Image via CareerBuilder Challenge on Facebook