PALM SPRINGS, Calif. -- George Lopez scored a hole-in-one Tuesday as the 48th Bob Hope Chrysler Classic announced that he would be the host of the event. This will mark the only current PGA TOUR event with a celebrity host. The announcement was made on the set of the George Lopez Show at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, Calif., where Lopez was presented with a limited production high performance black 2007 300C SRT8 Chrysler by the tournament sponsor.

The premier celebrity pro-am event on the PGA TOUR -- and the only golf tournament played on four courses spanning five days -- will be held in the Palm Springs area, from Jan. 15-21, 2007.

“Bob and I both admired George Lopez as one of our brightest young comedians,” says Dolores Hope. “Remember, at our ages, anyone under 60 is considered ‘young.’ What’s more -- he plays golf, too. I am so pleased with his involvement as an ambassador and participant with the Classic.”

“We are very excited to have George on our team,” said John Foster, tournament president. “His love for the game and his comedic talent makes him a wonderful ambassador to help carry on the tradition of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. We think George is going to bring energy and excitement to the event that is refreshing and has been missing since the passing of Bob. We do appreciate George taking time out of his busy schedule to dedicate to this 47-year PGA TOUR event which raised $1.8 million last year.”

"It’s an honor to walk in the footsteps of a legend,” said Lopez. “As host I intend to honor the tradition of The Bob Hope Chrysler Classic and have a great time blazing a new path.”

“I am delighted that George Lopez has agreed to serve as guest host for the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic," said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. "I understand George has made a personal commitment to help elevate the profile of the tournament among the celebrity community, and he has pledged his support to assist with promotional efforts to raise the level of charitable contributions for the tournament. George has always demonstrated his passionate support for PGA TOUR golf, and this is a significant extension to his involvement with our sport."

"I'm a big believer that having celebrities' names involved helps promote not only golf, but the lifestyle associated with golf. Bob Hope and Bing Crosby were the forerunners of this type of event and Glen Campbell, Andy Williams and Jackie Gleason, people like that, were part of events that became my favorite events to play,” said 1990 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic champion Peter Jacobsen. "I felt it was most important to have a celebrity host the Bob Hope, and George is going to bring exactly what the Bob Hope needs. He's just so likable. I've never seen George have a bad day on or off the golf course. He is fantastic to be with. It's a huge shot in the arm to the Bob Hope. Now that George is there, if my schedule permits, I really hope to come back.”

A big supporter who also keeps coming back and makes the tournament possible, is Chrysler, who has been with the tournament since 1965, and the title sponsor since 1986.

“Chrysler’s support has made our remarkable record of charitable achievement of more than $42 million donated to charities possible,” explained Foster. “Together we are beginning a new chapter in Bob Hope Chrysler Classic history.”

George Lopez is one of the premier comedic talents in the entertainment industry today. He is the co-creator, writer, producer and star of the ABC network and Warner Bros. Television produced sitcom, “George Lopez.” George has played in the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic for the past three years and has participated in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am as well.

For additional information on the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic visit www. bhcc.com or call the Tournament Office at (760) 346-8184.