OAKVILLE, ON, July 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - The PGA TOUR, RBC,
Golf Canada and the Heritage Classic Foundation jointly announced
today that RBC has signed six-year extensions as title sponsor of
both the RBC Canadian Open and RBC Heritage. The new agreements
take effect in 2018 and run through 2023.
"Since assuming sponsorship of Canada's national golf championship in 2008,
RBC has been a tremendous partner of the PGA TOUR," Jay Monahan, Deputy Commissioner of the PGA
TOUR, said during a press conference at Glen Abbey Golf Club, site
of this week's RBC Canadian Open. "RBC became passionately involved
with the tournament from the outset and since that time, has
increased its involvement in golf by sponsoring the RBC Heritage,
supporting PGA TOUR and LPGA players through Team RBC, and funding
youth and amateur golf initiatives in Canada. We couldn't be happier to continue our
relationship with such a strong advocate of golf through these two
long-term extensions."
"We are excited to extend our commitment to both the RBC
Canadian Open and RBC Heritage for an additional six years," said
Dave McKay, President and CEO, RBC.
"As the largest company in Canada,
our sponsorship of the RBC Canadian Open reflects our leadership
position in our home market, while our support of the RBC Heritage
demonstrates our strong and growing presence in the U.S.,
particularly following our recent acquisition of City National
Bank. We know many of our clients around the world have a passion
for golf. With two PGA TOUR stops and a roster of world-class
golfers representing our brand, RBC is proud to promote this great
game and to have the opportunity to give back where we live and
work, helping our communities prosper."
The RBC Canadian Open is among the oldest tournaments on the PGA
TOUR, dating back to 1904. Since becoming title sponsor, RBC has
worked closely with Golf Canada to elevate the tournament in a
variety of ways, including the implementation of a rotation of golf
courses throughout the country and enhancing the tournament
experience for fans and players.
"RBC is playing a major role in supporting excellence in
Canadian golf and we are honoured to have them continue on as title
sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open," said Golf Canada CEO
Scott Simmons. "RBC is one of
Canada's most respected
corporations and as a partner in golf and its continued commitment
to conducting a world-class event has elevated the status and
prestige of Canada's National Open
Championship. On behalf of our Board of Directors, staff and
Canadian golf fans from coast to coast; we thank RBC for its
continued investment in Canadian golf."
The RBC Heritage debuted in 1969 at Harbour Town Golf Links, a
Pete Dye design at the Sea Pines
Resort that quickly became a favorite course among TOUR members. In
June of 2011, RBC was introduced as the new title sponsor of the
PGA TOUR's annual stop on Hilton Head
Island, S.C.
"The Heritage Classic Foundation is pleased to continue our
relationship with RBC," Steve
Wilmot, Chief Operating Officer and Tournament Director for
the Heritage Classic Foundation said. "RBC's sponsorship means the
Heritage will be able to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2018.
RBC and its team of ambassadors have helped the Heritage Classic
Foundation continue to elevate the event year after year. We look
forward to the next seven years and the positive impact we will be
able to provide to the State of South
Carolina."
The RBC Canadian Open begins Thursday with Jason Day, the No. 1 player in the world and one
of 14 touring professionals who make up Team RBC, defending his
title.
About RBC Golf
RBC proudly supports golf around the
world through high profile relationships with the PGA TOUR and Golf
Canada. RBC is the Official Banking and Financial Services partner
of touring professionals Jason Day,
Graham DeLaet, Ernie Els,
Jim Furyk, Adam Hadwin, David
Hearn, Brooke Henderson,
Matt Kuchar, Graeme McDowell, Ryan
Palmer, Morgan Pressel,
Brandt Snedeker, Nick Taylor and Mike
Weir. As the title sponsor of both the RBC Heritage and the
RBC Canadian Open, RBC also supports emerging Canadian golfers
through Golf Canada's grassroots developmental programming, the
Canadian Amateur Golf Championships and the high performance
national team. RBC is one of North
America's leading diversified financial services companies
and among the largest banks in the world, as measured by market
capitalization. For more information, visit www.rbc.com/golf.
About Golf Canada
Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and
governing body for golf in Canada
representing close to 310,000 golfers at more than 1,400 member
clubs across the country. A proud member of the Canadian Olympic
Committee, Golf Canada's mission is to grow participation,
excellence and passion in the sport while upholding the integrity
and traditions of the game. By investing in the growth of the sport
and introducing more participants of all ages to the game, our goal
is to be relevant to and respected by all Canadian golf enthusiasts
from coast to coast. For more information about what Golf Canada is
doing to support golf in your community, visit
www.golfcanada.ca.
About Heritage Classic Foundation
The Heritage Classic
Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives
throughout the state of South
Carolina. As the general sponsor of the PGA TUOR's RBC
Heritage presented by Boeing, millions of dollars generated from
ticket sales and sponsorships are distributed to charitable
organizations that enhance the quality of life for our citizens.
Since it was founded as a 501(c)(3) in 1987, the Foundation has
donated more than $32 million to people in need. For more
information, call (843) 671-2448, visit
www.heritageclassicfoundation.com or Facebook (Heritage Classic
Foundation) and Twitter (@HCFGolf).
About PGA TOUR
The PGA TOUR is the world's premier
membership organization for touring professional golfers,
co-sanctioning more than 130 tournaments on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR
Champions, Web.com Tour, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, Mackenzie Tour-PGA
TOUR Canada and PGA TOUR China.
The PGA TOUR's mission is to entertain and inspire its fans,
deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for
volunteers to give back, generate significant charitable and
economic impact in the communities in which it plays, and provide
financial opportunities for TOUR players.
Worldwide, PGA TOUR tournaments are broadcast to more than 1
billion households in 227 countries and territories in 30
languages. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit
organizations in order to maximize charitable giving. In 2015,
tournaments across all Tours generated a record $160 million for local and national charitable
organizations, bringing the all-time total to $2.3 billion.
The PGA TOUR's web site is PGATOUR.COM, the No. 1 site in golf,
and the organization is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.
SOURCE RBC
