RSM McGladrey in Stamford has agreed to a three-year sponsorship of the new PGA Tour event at the Sea Island Resort on the southern coast of Georgia beginning in 2010.
What will be called The McGladrey Classic will be held in mid-October as part of the PGA Tour”™s Fall Series and will be played on the Seaside Course.
The event will give the PGA Tour a full sponsorship schedule, something it was lacking in 2009 because of drawback from sponsors.
“We have a full schedule, said Tim Finchem, commissioner of the PGA Tour. “The total playing opportunities for our players are consistent with the last couple years.”
Finchem said prize money will be greater than in previous years.
Longtime PGA Tour member and Sea Island resident Davis Love III, whose foundation will be the tournament host organization, will serve as tournament chairman and his brother Mark Love will be executive director of The McGladrey Classic. An RSM McGladrey member will serve on the tournament board. The event will feature a 132-player field, with a notable question mark hovering above the head of top tour draw Tiger Woods.
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“This is a wonderful opportunity for RSM McGladrey to build greater awareness of our services and brand while expanding relationships with our clients and prospective clients,” said RSM McGladrey President C.E. Andrews. “At RSM McGladrey, we know that our clients and prospects enjoy playing and watching golf. Partnering with the PGA Tour enables us to connect with these individuals in a meaningful way, while also providing a new platform to strengthen our support of Special Olympics and other philanthropic organizations. We are honored to sponsor The McGladrey Classic.”
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The purse is expected to be $4 million and the tournament”™s charitable beneficiaries will include Special Olympics, the official charity of RSM McGladrey”™s golf platform.
The sponsorship expands RSM McGladrey”™s existing presence in professional golf, which includes sponsorship of ”˜Team McGladrey”™ comprised of six-time PGA Tour winner and Masters Champion Zach Johnson, three-time PGA Tour winner Chris DiMarco and LPGA Tour professional Natalie Gulbis.
“This represents a partnership between a dynamic new sponsor, a host organization founded by a prominent member of the PGA Tour, and a world-class resort serving as the host venue,” said Finchem. “This unique collection of partners, combined with the direct involvement of Davis and Zach, brings distinction to the tournament that is unlike any other we have on tour.”
Finchem underplayed the economic impact on the tour as a result of the absence of world number one golfer Tiger Woods, who is taking a break from the game after a headline-making fall from grace.
“He’s doing the right thing right now in dealing with his issues,” said Finchem. “In the meantime, we’re moving forward, and we’re going to have a great year.”
