LA QUINTA, Calif. -- The 51st Bob Hope Classic, to be played Jan. 18-24 at four golf courses in La Quinta, is extending a special offer to all active duty military personnel and their families for free admission.

To receive a free ticket, military personnel do not need to be in uniform, but must present identification verifying them as active duty personnel when they arrive at the SilverRock Resort public parking admissions gate where they will be issued a daily gallery pass.

"Bob Hope was such a strong supporter of our armed services, we want to be sure that any active military personnel can attend this historic event," said Bob Hope Classic President and Tournament Chairman John Foster.

During his long career as one of America's greatest humorists, Hope entertained U.S. troops so often that he was made an "Honorary Veteran," by a 1997 Act of Congress, signed by President Bill Clinton. Hope died in 2003 at age 100.

Baseball Hall of Famer Yogi Berra has been named the first-ever "Classic Ambassador." Berra, who played in the Classic 15 times from 1995-2009, will perform a wide variety of duties on behalf of the 2010 Classic.

Defending champion Pat Perez and past champions Mark Brooks, Chad Campbell, Joe Durant, Charley Hoffman, Justin Leonard and Mike Weir are among the other early pro entries for the 2010 Classic. Famed musician Kenny G, future baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux, actor/game show host John O'Hurley and actor Kurt Russell are among the initial celebrity athletes and entertainers set to participate.

Practice rounds for the 2010 Classic at all four courses will be conducted Monday, Jan. 18 and Tuesday, Jan. 19. Tournament play begins Wednesday, Jan. 20 and concludes Sunday, Jan. 24 at the Palmer Private at PGA WEST. Besides the Palmer Private and SilverRock Resort, other golf courses in the 2010 rotation are the Nicklaus Private at PGA WEST and La Quinta Country Club. The five-day Classic features 128 top PGA TOUR professionals and 384 amateur contestants, including 30 celebrities. All five days of the Classic will be televised on Golf Channel. At stake is a purse of $5 million, $900,000 to the winner.

In 50 years, the Classic has donated more than $47 million to charities throughout the Coachella Valley. For more information, go to www.bobhopeclassic.com or call 1.888.MRBHOPE (672.4673).