STROKE OF THE DAY

"Everyone has his own choking level, a level at which he fails to play his normal golf. As you get more experienced, your choking level rises."

Arnold Palmer, a five-time winner of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, will return to the tournament in 2009 as its celebrity host.

“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,” said Palmer. “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.”

At least for one year, Palmer will serve as the replacement host for George Lopez. The comedian held that role in 2007 and 2008 but was told last week he would no longer be needed in that capacity.

Tournament president Dave Erwin said Lopez “has an open invitation to participate as long as he wants.”

Though no official announcements have been made for special events at next year’s Hope, the fact that the tournament will be celebrating its 50th anniversary suggests there will be some nostalgic elements. Palmer would fit such a theme.

Owner of 62 PGA Tour titles and regarded as one of the game’s greatest ambassadors, Palmer has competed in 42 of 50 Hope events and last played in 2002. Besides his victory, one of his most memorable moments in the desert was when he shot his age — 71 — during the fourth round in 2001.