New agreement extends insurance and financial service company’s umbrella sponsorship of golf tour through 2012
Columbus, Ohio — Nationwide and the PGA TOUR® announced today that the company will extend its umbrella sponsorship of the Nationwide Tour for five years through the 2012 season. Nationwide has been the umbrella sponsor of the Tour since 2003.
"Based on the success we’ve had with the Nationwide Tour in the past four years, we’re very excited to continue and grow our role as umbrella sponsor," said John Aman, brand management officer for Nationwide. "Our goal will be to continue to provide golf fans with an On Your Side experience that makes following the Nationwide Tour more enjoyable."
Interest in the Nationwide Tour has grown dramatically during the past four years of Nationwide’s sponsorship. Fueled by the performance of Nationwide Tour alumni on the PGA TOUR, and in premier events like the Ryder Cup, television audiences, corporate support, tournament attendance and purses have all seen significant growth since 2003.
"The PGA TOUR is very pleased to extend our relationship with Nationwide," said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. "The Tour has experienced new heights with the assistance of Nationwide and we are delighted that the company continues to share our passion for golf and the Nationwide Tour."
"Part of what makes the Nationwide Tour such a good match for our business is the fact that golf is a game built on personal integrity," said Aman, "That’s the same approach we take in the work we do at Nationwide."
The Nationwide Tour began in 1990 and experienced slow, steady growth over the years until the arrival of Nationwide as the umbrella sponsor in 2003. Since then, purses have grown to record levels and the Tour is acknowledged as one of the most competitive tours in the world.
In 2006, the Nationwide Tour consisted of 31 tournaments played in three countries and 22 states with purses reaching nearly $17 million.
Former Nationwide Tour players, including Stuart Appleby, Chris DiMarco, John Daly, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Troy Matteson and David Toms, have won 196 PGA TOUR events, including 21 in 2006. Twelve of the 21 2005 Nationwide Tour graduates finished among the PGA TOUR’s top 125 players, with eight earning at least $1 million and three winning PGA TOUR events in 2006. Nine of the 12 2006 U.S.Ryder Cup team members graduated from the Nationwide Tour.
About the Nationwide Tour:
The Nationwide Tour is owned and operated by the PGA TOUR from its Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, headquarters. Each season, the Top 20 players on the Nationwide Tour money list graduate to the PGA TOUR. Since 1990, the Tour has sent nearly 500 players to the PGA TOUR with 89 recording at least one victory. The Tour’s web-site is www.pgatour.com
About Nationwide:
Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more than $157 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks #99 on the Fortune 100 list. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, homeowners, life, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mutual funds, pensions and long-term savings plans. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com
Nationwide and the Nationwide Framework are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. On Your Side is a service mark of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
Contact:
Mike Switzer, Nationwide:
(614) 249-4092
Cell: (614) 370-0001
switzem1@nationwide.com
Dave Lancer, PGA TOUR:
(904) 273-3215
Cell: (904) 673-6373
davelancer@pgatourhq.com
