LOPEZ FILLING STARRING ROLE COMEDIAN BRINGS THE CELEBS BACK.

Byline: JILL PAINTER Staff Writer

PALM DESERT -- George Lopez guaranteed he'd put the spark back in the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.

Consider it done.

That is, if you like humor with your bogeys and birdies.

The 48th annual Classic -- but first with Lopez as tournament host -- pairs celebrities and PGA pros for four of its five days.

With the death of Hope went some of the tournament's luster, but that might have changed this year.

Samuel L. Jackson, Cheech Marin, Oscar De La Hoya and other celebrities answered Lopez's call. Comedians Ray Romano and Andy Garcia, who had never played in the tournament, are here this year.

Lopez is also working on getting Donald Trump and Bill Clinton.

The kid who couldn't afford golf balls and used to hit lemons in the backyard of his Mission Hills home is a hit.

``When I first started, I promised the Hope Board of Directors and Chrysler that I would increase the celebrity level, bump it up. And on Saturday, I got Clint Eastwood to play and return for the first time in 14 years,'' said Lopez, a San Fernando High graduate. ``Don't tell him yet, I was going to break it to him Friday, but he will be here on Saturday.

``I've brought a higher-profile celebrity, and I think that's what Bob did so well. And that's what as long as I'm the host of the tournament I will continue to do, and really work on it all year and not just a couple of months before the tournament.''

Once, high-profile personalities from Hollywood celebrities to former presidents lined up to play at the behest of the charismatic Hope.

Lopez has brought a similar energy with him. He's funny, and he's pretty good at golf, too. Lopez has a 13-handicap and plenty of clout on the golf circuit.

Now, when he walks into a restaurant, he's more likely to push this golf tournament than his comedy show.

``I think you need a face to go out there and shake hands, and it's much like what politicians do, you want to get the word out,'' Lopez said. ``You need to be out there. You need to have your face on a billboard. You need to actually be a walking, talking supporter of the tournament golf.

``I love golf. It's helped me with my life, my life skills and you know, (I'm) not a better golfer, but I think a better person.''

Lopez looked politically correct in a black argyle sweater and black pants, a far cry from his favorite golf attire of a T-shirt and jeans. He probably angered Rosie O'Donnell, though, with a parting comment during Tuesday's news conference, although it could've been a way to get Trump a tee time for next year.

When asked who would be in his dream foursome he said: ``Myself, Donald Trump and Rosie O'Donnell, and she would count as two, so I wouldn't actually need four. I want in on that fight.''

If it's as interesting as his part in hosting the Bob Hope Classic, get him some boxing gloves.

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

Comedian George Lopez is the presenting host of this year's Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.

Jay Calderon/Associated Press

Box:

BOB HOPE CHRYSLER CLASSIC HOSTED BY GEORGE LOPEZ