Deutsche Bank extends sponsorship of Playoffs event through 2012

MORE: Read the transcript from Thursday's announcement

NORTON, MA -- The PGA TOUR and Deutsche Bank announced that the global banking firm has exercised a two-year option to continue sponsorship of the Deutsche Bank Championship through 2012.

Additionally, EMC Corporation, a Founders Club Partner of the tournament since its inception in 2003, has elevated its involvement to become local presenting sponsor for the next two years.

"We are extremely pleased to continue our title sponsorship of the Deutsche Bank Championship over the next two years," Seth Waugh, CEO of Deutsche Bank Americas, said during a press conference at TPC Boston, host site of this week's tournament. "The Championship has been an instrumental part of our brand-building efforts over the past eight years and remains a critical part of our overall brand strategy. Not only does the Deutsche Bank Championship provide us with worldwide exposure, it also gives us a unique opportunity to build business relationships and support the community, having generated $17 million in charitable contributions and hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity for the region since the Championship began.

"We are gratified that the Championship has become a Labor Day tradition, providing incredible competition for golf fans in New England and the world over, especially since becoming the second leg of the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup in 2007," Waugh added. "We thank the players, the fans and our Founders Club Partners for their support, and we look forward to working closely with a great partner in EMC."

Deutsche Bank has been title sponsor of the tournament since its PGA TOUR debut at TPC Boston in 2003. The company signed a four-year extension that went into effect in 2007 and coincided with the Deutsche Bank Championship's alignment with the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup. This week's tournament, which runs Friday through Labor Day Monday, marked the conclusion of that agreement.

"We are delighted that Deutsche Bank has extended its sponsorship through 2012, assuring the Deutsche Bank Championship's position as the second Playoffs event and continuing the significant charitable impact it has had upon the area," said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. "I would like to thank Seth Waugh and Deutsche Bank for being terrific partners of the PGA TOUR and also would like to congratulate EMC Corporation for its increased commitment to the tournament."

"We have supported the Deutsche Bank Championship since the first year and are proud to be affiliated with an event that does so much for charities throughout the area," said Bill Scannell, Executive Vice President Sales for EMC, whose world headquarters are located in Hopkinton, MA. "We are proud to continue our involvement with this great tournament at an increased level over the next two years."

When the Deutsche Bank Championship debuted in 2003, it marked the PGA TOUR's return to the Boston market after the departure of the New England Classic in 1998. Adam Scott won the inaugural event, followed by Vijay Singh, Olin Browne and Tiger Woods. With the introduction of the FedExCup in 2007, the Deutsche Bank featured a memorable duel between Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods, with Mickelson finally emerging with a two-stroke victory. Singh repeated as champion in 2008 on his way to the FedExCup title, and Steve Stricker captured last year's title by a stroke over Jason Dufner and Scott Verplank.

Since its inception, the Deutsche Bank Championship has raised $17 million for the Tiger Woods Foundation and New England charities.