OAKVILLE, Ontario -- The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) Wednesday announced that they have reached agreement on a new sponsorship of the Canadian Open with Bell Canada that sees the former title sponsor maintaining their support of the tournament, albeit in a modified role. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Today’s announcement continues a strong 12-year partnership between Bell Canada, the RCGA and Canada’s only PGA TOUR event.

Under the new partnership with the RCGA, Bell Canada will step down from its’ previous role as title sponsor of the Canadian Open effective immediately. Changes being introduced for the 2007 PGA TOUR season will see the RCGA required to guarantee a comprehensive U.S. network television and advertising package. This departure from previous years of operation, led the RCGA and Bell Canada to agree that securing a company with broader North American sponsorship marketing objectives as title sponsor would better position the Canadian Open for future growth. The RCGA remains committed to securing a new title sponsor for the Canadian Open and are considering other sponsorship opportunities in the interim to support the 2006 Canadian Open.

“Throughout our entire negotiation, what has been continually apparent is Bell Canada’s passion for the Canadian Open.” said Stephen D. Ross, RCGA executive director. “Both sides took the time to understand each other’s current environment. Strengthened by a mutual appreciation and respect for our national championship, Bell Canada and the RCGA worked to ensure a future together in Canadian golf. On behalf of Canadians from coast to coast, I would like to personally thank Bell Canada for their support over the past 12 years and for making a long-term commitment to the future success of our national championship."

“After being a proud supporter of the Canadian Open for the last 12 years Bell wanted to ensure the event’s continued viability and growth”, said Jim Little, senior vice president, marketing and communications, Bell Canada. “Bell’s sponsorship renewal serves that purpose. Our reduced role allows other corporations to participate and serves Bell’s need to streamline our sponsorship portfolio. This sponsorship has served us well and our relationship with the RCGA and the PGA TOUR has been very beneficial.”

Since it’s inception in 1904, the Canadian Open has played host to the world's best golfers and produced countless memorable moments. Sports fans across the country and around the world have been entertained by legends, including former champions Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh. Sam Snead and Lee Trevino each won the Canadian Open three times. Greg Norman, Tom Weiskopf, Curtis Strange and Nick Price all won twice. Jack Nicklaus, considered by many to be the greatest golfer ever, was a runner-up seven times.

Over the previous 12 years, Bell Canada and the RCGA’s professional presentation of the Canadian Open has led to world-class acclaim on the PGA TOUR. This Canadian institution is the third oldest national open championship in the world. Alongside the British Open and U.S. Open, the Canadian Open constitutes the triple crown of national championships. Its rich history gives it a cachet and tradition that makes it one of Canada’s premier sporting events.

With landmark initiatives in store for the 2007 PGA TOUR season, featuring a clearly defined season including the new Fed Ex Cup, the Canadian Open will continue to be one of the premier tournaments showcased in the world of golf.

“I am certain that today’s news will serve as a catalyst for other corporations to support the Canadian Open – a Canadian institution for over 100 years," Ross said. “As Canada’s only tournament on the PGA TOUR, the RCGA believes the Canadian Open is one of the most valuable sports entertainment investments in this country.”

The 2006 Canadian Open will take place from Sept. 4-10 at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ontario.