PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- After several months of positive title sponsor developments, the Champions Tour will soon announce a 2007 schedule that will feature what is arguably its strongest lineup of corporate sponsors ever. The Tour currently has 28 tournaments in place for 2007, with 24 of them committed through at least 2008 and some extended as far out as 2010 and 2011. “We’ve had many very productive conversations with our title sponsors the last few months and the results will be in full evidence when we announce the 2007 Champions Tour schedule,” said Champions Tour President Rick George. “Many of our sponsors have entered into long-range commitments. We think this speaks to the value and return they are getting from their investment in the Champions Tour. “Much of the credit for the success with title sponsors lies in the commitment of the players and the excitement they bring to each and every tournament. Whether it’s interacting with the fans, title sponsors, pro-am guests or being out in the community promoting the Champions Tour, our players provide value and benefit to all of our constituents. “The strong lineup of tournaments is going to be enhanced by the five terrific venues that will host next year’s major championships and the highly recognizable PGA TOUR stars who turn 50 and become eligible to make their Champions Tour debut next year. We’re also very happy to be adding NBC network coverage to two events next year. All in all, we’ve got a lot to look forward to in 2007.” “The Champions Tours players really understand business, so they understand the importance of interaction and building relationships,” said Mark Zesbaugh, CEO of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. “The players and our customers have many things in common and engage in productive and entertaining conversations during pro-ams and other events throughout the tournament week. Whether the subject is business, the economy or just reminiscing about careers, our guests not only experience great golf and get good tips, they share meaningful dialogue.” “From our standpoint, the Champions Tour is the best business-to-business entertainment investment out there,” said Chris Sullivan, chairman of Outback Steakhouse, Inc. Recap of Announcements The following is a recap of tournament-related announcements made by the Champions Tour and the respective tournament organization this year:
January Major Championship Venues
Next year’s five major championships will feature the most impressive
lineup of Champions Tour majors’ sites ever: All four American courses are ranked 57th or better in Golfweek magazine’s 2005 list of “America’s Best” in either the “Classic” or “Modern” category. Muirfield is consistently rated as one of the top-10 golf courses in the world. Class of 2007 Not only will the Champions Tour enjoy a strong schedule next year, it will welcome one of the deepest rookie classes in its history. Several players who have won multiple major championships and played crucial roles on past Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup teams are members of the Class of ‘07. Collectively, they have won 19 major championships, 72 PGA TOUR titles, 198 international events and played on 35 Ryder Cup and seven Presidents Cup teams. They also occupied the No. 1 spot in the Official World Golf Ranking 203 weeks and four are members of the World Golf Hall of Fame.
The Class includes the following, with the date they turn 50 in 2007: |
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