Year-Long Partnership Showcases Local Golf Talent on National and International Stage
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Hard Rock Casino Tejon is proud to announce a year-long sponsorship agreement with Bakersfield professional golfer Manav Shah, who recently qualified for the 2026 U.S. Open, scheduled for June 18–21, 2026, at historic Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York.
As part of the sponsorship, Shah will represent Hard Rock Casino Tejon throughout the season by displaying the Hard Rock Casino Tejon logo on his apparel and golf bag while competing in professional tournaments and major championship events, including the 2026 U.S. Open. The sponsorship will provide Hard Rock Casino Tejon with visibility on some of golf’s most prominent stages while supporting one of Kern County’s most accomplished athletes.
A Bakersfield native, Shah’s qualification for the U.S. Open represents one of the most significant achievements by a local golfer in recent years and provides an opportunity to showcase Kern County on one of golf’s biggest stages.
“Manav’s journey from Bakersfield to the U.S. Open is exactly the kind of success story that deserves to be celebrated,” said Chris Kelley, President of Hard Rock Casino Tejon. “He has worked tirelessly to compete at the highest levels of professional golf while proudly representing Kern County wherever he plays. We are honored to support him as he takes the national stage at the U.S. Open and continues competing around the world.”
Shah said the sponsorship represents a meaningful partnership between two organizations committed to excellence and community pride.
“To have the support of Hard Rock Casino Tejon as I compete throughout the season is incredibly special,” said Shah. “I’m proud to represent Bakersfield and Kern County wherever I play, and I’m equally proud to partner with an organization that has quickly become such an important part of our community. Qualifying for the U.S. Open is a dream come true, and I’m grateful to have Hard Rock Casino Tejon alongside me on this journey.”
About Hard Rock Casino Tejon
Since its opening, Hard Rock Casino Tejon has positioned itself as a premier entertainment destination along the I-5 corridor, just 90 minutes north of Los Angeles. The property features 150,000 square feet of gaming space, 2,100 slot machines, over 60 table games, and multiple dining destinations, including the iconic Hard Rock Cafe, The Marketplace, Deep Cut Steak | Seafood and YouYu.
The entertainment venue is located less than 15 miles south of Bakersfield, on Tejon Indian tribal land in Mettler, situated at the southernmost tip of California’s Southern San Joaquin Valley and nestled near the base of the historic Grapevine Mountain Pass that connects Southern California to the Central Valley. This region of the San Joaquin Valley is home to one of the most productive agricultural counties in the country and is the center point of the state with access to the Central Coast and both Northern and Southern California within a couple hours’ drive.
About Manav Shah
Born and raised in Bakersfield, Shah has established himself as one of the region’s most accomplished professional golfers. A graduate of Centennial High School, he enjoyed a standout collegiate career at both the University of San Diego and UCLA before turning professional in 2015.
Throughout his professional career, Shah has competed on multiple international tours, including the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, and the Asian Tour. In 2022, he captured his first PGA Tour sanctioned win at the Quito Open in Ecuador and later earned status on the Asian Tour through qualifying school.
Today, Shah continues to compete internationally while proudly representing Bakersfield and Kern County throughout the world of professional golf. His qualification for the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club marks a major milestone in his professional career and further solidifies his place among the most successful golfers ever produced by Kern County. He is a member of Bakersfield Country Club.
