March 8, 2010
BOB HOPE CLASSIC WELCOMES LARRY O. THIEL AS TOURNAMENT CHAIRMAN
LA QUINTA, Calif. - One of the nation's most experienced golf tournament executives has joined the Bob Hope Classic as Tournament Chairman. Larry O. Thiel, former executive director of "The International" Golf Tournament, will be using his 30 years of experience to help keep the Classic one of the top events on the PGA Tour's West Coast Swing.
"Larry Thiel's expertise will be especially important to the Bob Hope Classic in this coming year as we seek to explore a variety of sponsorship possibilities and work with TOUR players to fine-tune the tournament to maximize its potential for fans," stated John Foster, Tournament President.
With thirty years of experience in sports management and the design and operation of private golf clubs, Thiel is recognized as one of the foremost figures in the industry today.
A Marketing Management graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Thiel first gained recognition while working for Jack Nicklaus' Golden Bear organization. Serving as president of the Jack Nicklaus Management Group, he was directly involved in the management of the Muirfield Village complex in Dublin, Ohio and the operation of The Memorial Tournament.
Thiel also directed the company's activities in the development of over 50 private clubs, real estate and club resort properties throughout the world.
In 1985, he joined The Vickers Company as President of Castle Pines Management Company and Executive Director of "The International" Golf Tournament. That event, which debuted on TOUR in 1986, attracted many of the world's top players and drew much attention because of its use of the Stableford Scoring System, which rewarded birdies and eagles at a greater level than in regular stroke play.
Long deemed an authority in his field, Thiel is a nationally recognized lecturer and holds the title of Lecturer Emeritus at both the University of Wisconsin School of Management and Cornell University, America's premier school in the Hospitality Management Industry.
The 2011 Bob Hope Classic will be held January 17th to 23rd, where Bill Haas, son of former Classic champion Jay Haas, will defend his 2010 Classic championship.
The Bob Hope Classic is a vital part of the desert community, helping to attract golfers from around the world to the Coachella Valley, and is nationally recognized for its contributions to local charitable organizations. Since 1960, the tournament has contributed nearly $49 million to numerous Coachella Valley charities.
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