Clinton to be part of Nationwide event, too

If you were thinking that former President Bill Clinton showing up everywhere at the recent Humana Challenge was a one-time thing, apparently you can guess again.

The Nationwide Tour has announced that the former president will take part in activities in its season-opening Pacific Rubiales Energy, which is in Colombia, part of the Nationwide Tour’s South American swing.

President Bill Clinton reacts to a big drive at the recent Humana Challenge (Desert Sun photo)

The Nationwide event is presented by Samsung. And as was the case at the Humana Challenge, the Colombian event will support the Clinton Foundation through work with the Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative (CGSGI) in Colombia.

According to the announcement, Clinton will participate in tournament activities, including the Feb. 15pro-am, featuring Nationwide Tour professionals, government officials, Pacific Rubiales executives, clients and guests. It will be the first time a sitting or former president of the United States has attended a Nationwide Tour event. Feb. 15 is also the 17-year anniversary to the day that Clinton first played in the Bob Hope Classic.

Apparently, the CGSGI was established in June 2007 by President Clinton and philanthropist Frank Giustra, and its economic and social development projects span Colombia, Peru, Mexico, and Haiti.

“President Clinton’s participation with the Nationwide Tour in Colombia extends the very positive relationship the PGA TOUR has enjoyed with him dating back to his presidency,” PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said in the statement. “While we share an affinity for the game of golf with the President, we are bonded by our shared values of giving back.” Finchem, remember, is a long-time friend of Clinton and is largely responsible for Clinton’s involvement in the Humana.

So Clinton and the tour are committed to using golf to further the cause of his foundation, and that’s a big plus for the tour as it moves forward, particularly in South America. And it certainly makes you think that Clinton will be as involvement in the Humana event next year as he was this year.