Arnold Palmer, who won five of his 62 PGA TOUR titles at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, will host the 50th anniversary of the 90-hole event next January, tournament officials have announced.

"I enjoyed some of my greatest success in the Hope in the early years and have loved the Palm Springs area ever since I first went there," Palmer said in a statement. "I consider it a great honor to follow in the footsteps of Bob Hope as host of this wonderful tournament, which has been a mainstay on the PGA TOUR for so many years."

Palmer's 62 wins rank him fifth on the all-time PGA TOUR list. He played in 42 Hope Classics, won the inaugural event in 1960 and his final victory also came in this tournament 35 years ago.

Bob Hope officials recently fired comedian George Lopez as tournament host.

TRANSITION IN TAMPA BAY: The PGA TOUR has sold the TPC Tampa Bay to the San Diego-based Heritage Golf Group, officials have announced. TPC Tampa Bay is the fifth TPC property to join the Heritage Collection of clubs as part of a strategic alliance between the PGA TOUR and HGG.

Under the terms of the sales transaction, HGG will own and operate the TPC Tampa Bay, but it will continue to operate under the TPC brand through a license agreement.

"Our strategic alliance with Heritage Golf Group is a logical extension of our efforts to provide PGA TOUR Experiences for our members and guests," said David Pillsbury, President of PGA TOUR Golf Course Properties. "By harnessing the natural synergies between our companies, we can deliver a better, more valuable golf experience for our collective members and guests."

FORBES RENEWS: The PGA TOUR and Forbes Media have renewed their marketing partnership for three years through 2010.

An official partner of the TOUR since 2001, Forbes will continue to develop TOUR-themed special advertising sections in the magazine. New this year is a special section opportunity that has been developed for title sponsors of PGA TOUR and Champions Tour tournaments.

LENDINGTREE.COM EXTENDS DEAL: The PGA TOUR and LendingTree.com, the "Official Mortgage and Home Lending Partner of the PGA TOUR and Champions Tour," have extended their successful PGA TOUR Giveaway promotion in 2008, officials have announced.

Now in its second year, the LendingTree PGA TOUR Giveaway is an integrated program that offers PGA TOUR-related rewards to consumers. Those who begin their loan request at lendingtree.com/pgatour may be eligible to receive PGA TOUR rewards after closing on a refinance, purchase mortgage or home equity loan.

Based on the amount of the home loan, borrowers will have the choice of receiving free Callaway Golf equipment and apparel, or credit for multiple rounds of golf through PGA TOUR Experiences, including 11 TPC courses and more than 100 other premier golf destinations throughout the country.

The promotion will be supported through CBS, NBC and GOLF CHANNEL television advertising, as well as in Golf Digest and Golf World magazines.

Copyright 2008 PGA.com. All rights reserved.