Team Nationwide making a lasting impression on TOUR  COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Nationwide on Thursday announced the creation of Team Nationwide, a select group of graduates of the 2006 Nationwide Tour currently competing on the PGA TOUR. Golf fans can visit www.nationwide.com/teamnationwide to track the success of these rookies throughout the season to gain insight into the increasingly important role Nationwide Tour graduates are playing in shaping the future of the PGA TOUR. The creation of Team Nationwide underscores the increased visibility and credibility the Nationwide Tour has received in recent years.  Reigning Nationwide Tour Player of the Year Ken Duke finished second last week in New Orleans on the PGA TOUR.
By visiting the Team Nationwide Web site, fans can view player bios, watch videos, participate in contests, and learn more about the success of Team Nationwide on the PGA TOUR and the top players competing on the Nationwide Tour. "This year, Nationwide Tour alumni playing on the PGA TOUR are once again proving the impact this tour has on the next level" said Jim Lyski, chief marketing officer for Nationwide. "Team Nationwide will make it easier for the average golf fan to follow up-and-coming players on the PGA TOUR and to see the role that the Nationwide Tour is playing in developing and preparing golfers for the next stage of their professional lives." The Team Nationwide roster includes Ken Duke, Cliff Kresge, Craig Bowden, Tripp Isenhour, Jeff Quinney, Boo Weekley, Jason Dufner, Brandt Snedeker, Craig Kanada, Andrew Buckle, Doug LaBelle II, Gavin Coles, Michael Putnam, Jarrod Lyle, Michael Sim, Paul Sheehan, John Merrick, Bryce Molder and Jim Rutledge. Team Nationwide joins an already impressive roster of former Nationwide Tour graduates who are currently enjoying success on the PGA TOUR such as Zach Johnson and Camilo Villegas. "Competing on the Nationwide Tour prepared me for the success I'm enjoying today on the PGA TOUR," said Jeff Quinney, a member of Team Nationwide. "As this group continues to enjoy success, we'll continue to drive awareness for the high-level of competition on the Nationwide Tour." Members of Team Nationwide will support and participate in Nationwide-sponsored events and initiatives throughout the year and will be featured in the company's internal and external communications and marketing materials. "With over 200 PGA TOUR wins, 65 percent of PGA TOUR membership and 11 major championships with wins in all four, the Nationwide Tour's impact on the PGA TOUR is undeniable," said Bill Calfee, President of the Nationwide Tour. "With the launch of Team Nationwide and The 25, golf fans now have two great programs by which to follow the Nationwide Tour." Recently, the Nationwide Tour announced The 25 program to highlight players who are currently within the top 25 on the money list and in-line to earn their 2008 PGA TOUR card. As one element of a broader campaign, each week the caddies of the top-25 players will wear a gold bib designating the player's current position on the money list. The top-25 Nationwide Tour money winners after the season-ending Nationwide Tour Championship at Barona Creek will secure 2008 membership on the PGA TOUR. Nationwide has been umbrella sponsor of the Nationwide Tour since 2003. In 2006, Nationwide announced a commitment to extend its sponsorship of the Nationwide Tour through 2012, making it the longest-running sponsor in the tour's history. The Nationwide Tour has reached unprecedented levels of visibility and credibility in recent years. PGA TOUR measurements show the value of Nationwide's sponsorship, including TV coverage, promotion, advertising, news coverage and local marketing, has more than doubled since Nationwide became a sponsor five years ago. As a result, Nationwide also has reaped benefits as brand awareness with golf fans has increased 23 percent, from 56 percent to 79 percent. |
