New era as Titleist and FootJoy back flagship tournament

Two of golf’s leading brands - Titleist and FootJoy – have agreed a four-year deal to be the new sponsors of the flagship PGA Professional Championship.

It signals the start of a fresh era for the tournament which was first competed for in 1973 and attracts more than 700 competitors each year seeking the coveted title.

This year’s championship will be held over the famed links course of Burnham & Berrow, Somerset, over June 2-5, while it also boasts an impressive list of nine qualifying courses.

The agreement will also include sponsorship of the 36-hole Women’s PGA Professional Championship, which will be held on June 4 and 5.

Titleist and FootJoy, leaders in their respective fields, have had a long-standing and successful relationship with the PGA, with both having prestigious PGA Partner status.

Titleist has supported the PGA Assistant of the Year awards for a number of years, recognising the achievements of the latest graduates from PGA Foundation Degree. It has also sponsored the end-of-season PGA Play-Offs for the previous three years.

FootJoy has also supported up-and-coming PGA Professionals having been the headline sponsor of the PGA Assistants’ Championship in 1983 and 1984 and support sponsor of that event since 2005.

PGA chief executive Sandy Jones said: “Titleist and FootJoy are two of the biggest names in golf and it is fitting that they have chosen to sponsor the PGA Professional Championship.

“The PGA has had an excellent and productive relationship with both Titleist and FootJoy, which has also been extremely beneficial for PGA Members.

“This agreement cements the partnerships in place and I am sure this year’s competitors will also be delighted to see two strong brands supporting the championship.”

Matthew Johnson, Titleist brand director said: “We are delighted to be associated with the PGA over the next four seasons. It further underlines our long standing commitment and support of PGA Professionals across all areas, from retail and product education, to high-level tournament experience.

“The event sits at the pinnacle of the PGA schedule providing PGA Professionals with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills at the highest level and where Titleist golf balls, clubs and gear are validated by the most discerning and talented Professionals. We are proud to expand our relationship with The PGA in order to help serious golfers of all abilities, from competitive club-based professionals to club golfers, shoot their best scores.”

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Richard Fryer, FootJoy sales and marketing director, added: "We at FJ have had a longstanding partnership with the PGA, and we're delighted to be both extending and deepening that partnership through the sponsorship of the PGA Professional Championship and also the provision of uniform to the team of tournament referees and professionals.

“The PGA Professional represents a key stakeholder in both the game of golf as well as our business, so it gives us great pleasure to be able to offer this level of support in 2015 and beyond."

This year’s PGA Professional Championship will also play a decisive role in the selection of this year’s GB & I PGA Cup team to take on the United States in September with six places decided upon conclusion of the event.