PGA TOUR introduces new advertising campaign, capturing vitality of today’s TOUR
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA – For the first time in more than 20 years, the PGA TOUR is launching a new advertising campaign designed to capture and celebrate the energy and spirit of today’s TOUR. Titled “Live Under Par,” the campaign plays on golf’s unique scoring language to portray the relentless pursuit of excellence by TOUR players, both competitively and in how they embrace the values of the game like sportsmanship and respect, as well as the PGA TOUR’s ingrained mission of giving back.
The thematic of “Live Under Par” immerses spectators into the contagious excitement of the sport, showcasing its vast 360-degree impact both inside and outside the ropes. As part of the current integrated marketing strategy of the TOUR, the campaign aims to reach beyond the core golf fan and attract new and diverse fan segments to the sport. Further, it will serve as a call to action for dedicated golf fans to share their passion for the game and invite newcomers to “join the PGA TOUR.”
“The ‘Live Under Par’ campaign goes beyond capturing the incredible ability of PGA TOUR players to score below par each week by showcasing and celebrating that same attitude of excellence that exists between players, players with fans, and players interacting with communities and charities,” said Joe Arcuri, Chief Marketing Officer of the PGA TOUR. “The new campaign captures not just a way to play, but a way to be.”
You don’t need a club in your hand to #LiveUnderPar. pic.twitter.com/FvMqP25Y0s
— RBC Canadian Open (@RBCCanadianOpen) April 10, 2018
Developed in collaboration with new roster agency Troika of Los Angeles, “Live Under Par” becomes the TOUR’s first new theme and tagline since “These Guys Are Good,” the longest-running advertising campaign among major sports, debuted in 1997.
“’Live Under Par’ is an invitation for both players and fans to participate, no matter which side of the ropes you’re on,” said Gilbert Haslam, Executive Creative Director, Troika. “The campaign provides fans with new ways to engage in all the PGA TOUR has to offer and celebrates the shared mindset and spirit behind the constant pursuit of greatness. ‘Live Under Par’ is unique to the game, but with meaning that resonates far beyond it.”
The PGA TOUR has been proactively shaping marketing plans through a fans-first lens to reach beyond the core fan. The TOUR has analyzed real-time fan consumption across all media platforms to further understand and enhance the areas where target segments are most engaged.
One of the first initiatives the TOUR made under the fans-first approach was relaxing cell phone and social media guidelines at tournaments – providing both fans and players with the opportunity to create and share personally captured content. “Live Under Par” is a testament to the success of those changes and prominently features fan-captured content throughout the exhilarating commercial spot debuting in conjunction with the campaign.
“We consider this campaign more of an evolution, growing from how our players’ competitive excellence was presented so effectively through ‘These Guys Are Good’ to doing that and so much more,” Arcuri said. “We are pulling the camera lens out, so to speak, to highlight the fun and excitement on TOUR and highlight the special interaction we see every week between our players and fans. We believe this, in turn, will help spur broader interest among a more diverse group of fans.’”
“Live Under Par” will debut with a combination of television, digital, social, print, radio and advertising, along with tournament activation and support of PGA TOUR players. To experience the campaign, visit www.liveunderpar.com.
Golf Canada releases 2018 championship schedule
OAKVILLE, ONT. (Golf Canada) – Golf Canada is pleased to announce its 2018 championship schedule which includes a record-30 amateur and professional competitions plus qualifiers hosted at golf facilities in communities across Canada.
The 2018 schedule is headlined by Golf Canada’s premier professional championships—the RBC Canadian Open from July 23-29 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont., and the CP Women’s Open at Wascana Country Club in Regina, Sask. from August 20-26.
The 2018 competition calendar includes eight National Amateur Championships, six Future Links, driven by Acura regional junior competitions and the World Junior Girls Championship.
Golf Canada will also host 11 qualifying events in 2018 including qualifiers for prestigious international competitions such as the Toyota Junior Golf World Cup and the U.S. Open (Local Qualifying), as well as the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Women’s Amateur.
As the National Sports Federation and governing body of golf in Canada, Golf Canada conducts the country’s premier amateur and professional golf championships as part of its mandate to promote the sport and support the development of the nation’s top talent through world-class competition.
“Competing in a national championship is an incredible accomplishment for each of the more than 3,000 talented Canadian and international golfers who take part in our competitions,” said Golf Canada’s CEO, Laurence Applebaum. “The depth of talent, engagement among thousands of volunteers, the quality of our host venues and the committed support of corporate partners who have aligned their respected brands with our properties have been core to our competitions for more than a century. We are excited to welcome the next wave of Canadian golf champions.”
Golf Canada’s championship season kicks off April 9-12 with the Toyota Junior Golf World Qualifier at Bear Mountain Resort in Victoria, B.C. (home to Golf Canada’s National Training Centre) and concludes in September with the World Junior Girls Championship at Camelot Golf and Country Club in Cumberland, Ont.
“We’re proud to be working with many of Canada’s most renowned golf clubs from coast to coast,” said Adam Helmer, Director of Rules, Competitions and Amateur Status with Golf Canada. “Our 2018 venues are set to showcase an exciting season of competitive golf in communities across Canada and we thank our host clubs for their support.”
To view Golf Canada’s 2018 championship schedule including all host venues, registration requirements and volunteer opportunities please click here.
Golf Canada’s Championship Season at a Glance…
British Columbia will be a hotbed for Canadian golf in 2018, with the province hosting 11 Golf Canada events including the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships as well as the Canadian University/College Championship and the Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship.
The 114th playing of the Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship will be contested at Duncan Meadows Golf Course in Duncan, B.C. and Pheasant Glen Golf Resort in Qualicum Beach, B.C., August 4-9. A field of 240 players will be cut to the low 70 players and ties after 36 holes, with the final two rounds contested at Duncan Meadows. The champion will receive an exemption into the 2019 RBC Canadian Open, as well as an invitation to the 2018 U.S. Amateur Championship. Additionally, the winner will receive an exemption into local qualifying for the 2019 U.S. Open, and if applicable, the U.S. Junior, U.S. Mid-Amateur or USGA Senior Amateur Championships.
The 105th Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship takes place July 23-27 at Marine Drive Golf Club in Vancouver with the champion earning an exemption into the 2018 CP Women’s Open, as well as an exemption into the 2018 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. Additionally, the winner will receive exemptions into the U.S. Girls’ Junior, U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur and USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Championships, if applicable.
The 16th Canadian University/College Championship will be held May 28 to June 1 at Chilliwack Golf Club in Chilliwack, B.C. The national championship features both a team and individual component and will serve as the Canadian team qualifier for the 2018 FISU World University Golf Championship.
The Canadian Men’s Mid-Amateur will be held August 20-24 at Victoria Golf Club in Victoria, B.C. with the champion earning entry into the 2019 RBC Canadian Open.
On Saturday, July 21, as a kick-off event to the 2018 RBC Canadian Open, Glen Abbey will also open its fairways to junior competitors from across Canada for the 10th annual Future Links, driven by Acura Junior Skills Challenge National Event. Click here for qualifying info.
The 2018 RBC Canadian Open on the PGA TOUR will be contested July 23-29 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont. and will mark the 109th playing of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship. As part of a two-stage qualifying process, a trio of RBC Canadian Open Regional Qualifiers will take place in British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario. The regional qualifying event in B.C. will be held at Ledgeview Golf Club, home course of Canadian PGA TOUR stars and Team Canada alumni Adam Hadwin and Nick Taylor.
The CP Women’s Open will make its first-ever stop in Saskatchewan as Wascana Country Club in Regina will host the stars of the LPGA Tour from August 20-26.
At the junior level, the 80th Canadian Junior Boys Championship will be contested from July 29 to August 2 at Medicine Hat Golf & Country Club in Medicine Hat, Alta., with the winner earning an exemption into the 2018 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championship. That same week the 64th Canadian Junior Girls Championship will be contested at Beach Grove Golf Club in Tsawwassen, B.C.
Gowan Brae Golf & Country Club in Bathurst, N.B., will host the Canadian Men’s Senior Championship September 3-7 with the winner earning an exemption into the 2018 USGA Senior Amateur. The Canadian Women’s Mid-Am and Senior Championship will be held August 27-30 at Lookout Point Country Club in Fonthill, Ont., with the champion earning an exemption into the 2018 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Championship.
Ottawa’s Camelot Golf & Country Club will open its fairways to elite talent from across the globe when it plays host to the World Junior Girls Championship from September 9-14, 2018. This year marks the fifth playing of the annual event. Camelot has previously hosted the Canadian Junior Girls Championship as well as qualifying for the CP Women’s Open. Admission and parking for the World Junior Girls Golf Championship is free. For more information, visit www.worldjuniorgirls.com.
For the second straight year, Golf Canada, in collaboration with the USGA, will host a U.S. Open Local Qualifier at Beacon Hall Golf Club in Aurora, Ont. The 18-hole event conducted on May 7 will be one of 112 local qualifiers across 45 states and Canada which serve as the first of a two-step process to qualify for the U.S. Open.
The U.S. Women’s Amateur Local Qualifier will run June 27 at the Weston Golf & Country Club in Toronto, while the U.S. Amateur Local Qualifier will take place July 16 at Pitt Meadows Golf Club in Pitt Meadows, B.C.
The Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru National Event will be held at The Thornhill Club on September 24. The one-day event is a celebration of the success of all Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru events held nationwide during the 2018 season. To date, the fundraising efforts of thousands of golfers have totaled more than $6 million for breast cancer research since the program’s inception in 2003. The program’s goal is to drive women’s participation in the game of golf through the use of fun, non-intimidating activities. Click here to learn more about Golf Fore the Cure presented by Subaru.
GOLF CANADA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Golf Canada annually conducts championships nation-wide which play host to more than 3,000 domestic and international athletes from all corners of the world. In partnership with our host clubs, thousands of volunteers, provincial golf associations and our proud sponsors, Golf Canada is dedicated to supporting player development through world-class competition since our inception in 1895. Officiated by certified Canadian Rules of Golf officials, Golf Canada’s amateur competitions are fully compliant with golf’s international governing bodies and include marquee events such as the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Amateur Championships, as well as the Canadian Junior Girls and Junior Boys Championships. Golf Canada’s amateur championships are proudly supported by RBC, Canadian Pacific, Sport Canada, Levelwear, Titleist and FootJoy. For more information and scheduling visit www.golfcanada.ca/competitions.
FUTURE LINKS, driven by Acura
Future Links, driven by Acura is Canada’s national junior golf program conducted by Golf Canada, the PGA of Canada and Canada’s provincial golf associations. Proudly supported by Acura, Puma, The R&A, NGCOA Canada, ClubLink and Sport Canada, the program is designed to forge a link between Canada’s youth and golf to ensure the future of the game in Canada. The program features three core areas of focus—in-school programming, facility programming and community outreach—including elements such as Golf in Schools, Learn to Play, Girl’s Club, Mobile Clinics, Junior Skills Competition and Community Golf Coach, along with six regional Future Links Junior Championships. Since the inception of the program in 1996, more than 1.3 million young Canadians have taken part in Future Links. For more information, visit golfcanada.ca/futurelinks.
Golf Canada announces Junior Ticket design winners for 2018 RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open
OAKVILLE, ONT. (Golf Canada) – Golf Canada has unveiled its new Junior Ticket designs for the RBC Canadian Open taking place July 23-29 at Glen Abbey Golf Club and the CP Women’s Open taking place August 20-26 at Wascana Country Club in Regina.
The designs were selected from entries received from local elementary school classes in Oakville and across Saskatchewan who signed on to participate in the second annual Junior Ticket Design Contests for each event.
When the pencil crayons were put away, Sarah Suozzi, a grade 6 student from St. Luke Catholic Elementary School in Oakville, will have her design dawn the Junior Tickets for the 2018 RBC Canadian Open. Austin Marshall, a grade 5 student from Tompkins School in Tompkins, Sask., will have his drawing featured on the 2018 CP Women’s Open Junior Tickets.
Suozzi will win a pizza party for her class and a Golf in Schools kit, as well as RBC Canadian Open tickets for her family. Marshall’s class will receive a pizza party, while he wins a life size ticket and tickets for his family to attend the CP Women’s Open.
“I’d like to thank and congratulate all students who took part in our Junior Ticket design contests,” said Bill Paul, Chief Championships Officer for Golf Canada. “We were ecstatic with the creativity and quality of all entries we received.”
Let’s hear it for our #RBCCO & #CPWO Junior Ticket design winners – congrats Sarah and Austin! ?⛳️
Read ➡️ https://t.co/XzUFkyfmUE pic.twitter.com/vsSZJFOR9P
— Golf Canada (@TheGolfCanada) March 29, 2018
The winning illustrations were selected out of more than 100 entries received. Ten finalists were identified by the tournament’s marketing team and then Golf Canada staff voted the winners. The final 10 selections were also shared via Twitter and Instagram.
The contest reinforced Golf Canada’s commitment to conducting events for fans of all ages.
“Family and junior engagement is very important to golf in Canada as well as our championships,” Paul added. “We’re proud to be considered among the most fan-friendly events on both the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour. We pride ourselves on making sure the entire family can enjoy themselves onsite. It’s about bringing everyone together to celebrate community and Canadian golf.”
Last year, nearly 20,000 free RBC Canadian Open and 7,500 CP Women’s Open Junior Tickets were printed and distributed. Free Junior Tickets were also available online for download and printing.
Complimentary Junior Tickets, applicable to kids 17-and-under, are ideal giveaways for sports teams, schools, golf tournaments and summer camps.
Free RBC Canadian Open Junior Tickets are available for download by clicking here, while CP Women’s Open Free Junior Tickets can be downloaded here. They can also be ordered through Golf Canada’s sales department at 1-855-985-5000.
Information regarding tickets, volunteer opportunities and corporate hospitality for the 2018 RBC Canadian Open or CP Women’s Open can be found at www.cpwomensopen.com or www.rbccanadianopen.com.
Guests blow off steam at Preview Party for 2018 RBC Canadian Open
TORONTO – Golf Canada and many of its partners celebrated the first day of spring by hosting a Preview Party for the 2018 RBC Canadian Open taking place July 23-29 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.
The event took place Tuesday, March 20 at Steam Whistle Brewing, located at the John St. Roundhouse. Steam Whistle was recently named official beer partner of Golf Canada, the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open.
Nearly 150 invited guests, staff, corporate partners and potential clients gathered to learn more about the upcoming championship, including newly announced RBC Canadian Open corporate hosting experiences.
The event was hosted by TSN senior reporter and golf analyst, Bob Weeks.
Laurence Applebaum, Golf Canada’s CEO, and Cam Heaps, a founding partner of host Steam Whistle, took centre stage to bring official greetings. The pair had this to say following the event.
Cheers to The Good Beer Folks @SteamWhistle! Thanks for opening up The Roundhouse to celebrate with the @rbccanadianopen Preview Party ?⛳️#RBCCO #CPWO #SteamWhistle pic.twitter.com/llvKPXTAnQ
— Golf Canada (@TheGolfCanada) March 22, 2018
Corporate hospitality experiences and VIP experiences are still available. Click here for details.
For details on general grounds passes and volunteering, visit www.rbccanadianopen.com.
RBC Canadian Open to host “FedEx Junior Business Challenge” qualifying event in 2018
FedEx and Junior Achievement Worldwide have announced the return of the FedEx Junior Business Challenge, a program in conjunction with the PGA TOUR and its tournaments that provides the next generation of entrepreneurs an opportunity to pitch original business concepts during the 2017-18 season.
The RBC Canadian Open is proud to play host one of the FedEx Junior Business Challenge qualifying events this season, while the first will take place at the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday, March 20. The full schedule of four events is below.
FedEx Junior Business Challenge Qualifying Events Schedule:
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WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play (Austin, Texas) – Tuesday, March 20
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THE PLAYERS Championship (Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.) – Wednesday, May 9
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RBC Canadian Open (Oakville, Ont.) – Wednesday, July 25
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Dell Technologies Championship (Norton, Mass.) – Wednesday, August 29
JA students ranging from 15 to 18 years old will pitch their team’s business, innovative products or services to a panel of high-profile judges. One JA student company from each qualifying event will be selected to move on to the FedEx Junior Business Challenge finals at the TOUR Championship and 2018 FedExCup finale at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta for a chance to receive a $75,000 donation to their local JA chapter from FedEx.
“We were inspired by JA students who participated in last year’s FedEx Junior Business Challenge and presented innovative, dynamic thinking with real-world solutions,” said Patrick Fitzgerald, senior vice president, Integrated Marketing and Communications, FedEx. “We’re honored to bring the program back for its second season and look forward to working alongside the PGA TOUR and JA to help empower the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders.”
The judging panels throughout the FedEx Junior Business Challenge program will comprise an eclectic mix of personalities and diverse backgrounds, including PGA TOUR players and other professional athletes, business leaders and media personalities, providing JA students with a broad range of perspectives and signifying that no two paths to success are the same.
2003 U.S. Open (tennis) and former ATP World No. 1 Andy Roddick and three-time PGA TOUR tournament winner Pat Perez are slated to join the panel at the first qualifying event being held at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play on Tuesday, March 20.
Since 1996, FedEx has donated nearly $14 million to JA Worldwide in support of small businesses and the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.
“It’s great to see the program return for a second season and expand its reach by hosting a qualifying event in Canada,” said Bill Paul, Golf Canada’s Cheif Championships Officer. “We’re looking forward to hosting the students and eagerly await to see what terrific ideas they come bring to light.”
Follow the FedEx Junior Business Challenge all season long on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter via @FedEx and join the conversation by using #FedExJuniorBiz.
This video below highlights the 2017 FedEx Junior Business Challenge final, held at the TOUR Championship in Atlanta.
Steam Whistle named official beer partner of Golf Canada, the RBC Canadian Open & CP Women’s Open
– Steam Whistle partners with Golf Canada to enhance the experience at Canada’s National Open Championships and on courses across the country –
Toronto, Ontario (Golf Canada) – The Good Beer Folks at Steam Whistle, Canada’s Premium Pilsner, have announced a new partnership to become the Official Beer of Golf Canada, the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open.
Through the multi-year partnership, Steam Whistle will work alongside Golf Canada to encourage more enthusiasts to enjoy a cold Steam Whistle Pilsner during a round of golf with friends and at Canada’s National Men’s and Women’s Open Championships. The agreement represents Steam Whistle’s largest partnership in their history, a significant milestone for the independent Canadian brewer.
“We are thrilled to be the Official Beer of Golf Canada and align our brand with a sport that delivers a deep social, charitable, entertainment and environmental impact to communities nationwide,” said Cam Heaps, Chief Executive Officer of Steam Whistle Brewing. “The RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open are iconic events that Canadian golf enthusiasts are extremely passionate about. As an independent Canadian brewery, we are excited to become part of the experience and for our world-class Pilsner to be enjoyed on more of Canada’s world-class golf courses.”
Spectators at the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women’s Open will have the opportunity to engage with Steam Whistle ambassadors—known as The Good Beer Folks—and enjoy Canada’s Premium Pilsner served from one of Steam Whistle’s fleet of Vintage Vehicles on the course.
“We are thrilled to have Steam Whistle as Golf Canada’s Official Beer Partner,” said Laurence Applebaum, Chief Executive Officer of Golf Canada. “Steam Whistle’s unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship and proud Canadian identity are well positioned as the perfect beer to enjoy at our National Open Championships and after a round of golf at one of Canada’s 2,300 incredible courses.”
The Steam Whistle story began in the spring of 1998, when three friends—Greg Taylor, Cam Heaps, and Greg Cromwell—were on a canoe trip in Ontario. The trio had been colleagues at one of Canada’s premier microbreweries producing quality beer in the late 1980’s and 90’s before it was bought out by a national brewer and closed down. As they sat around the campfire, the self-named “Three Fired Guys” dreamed of one day running their own brewery and making a Pilsner that would compete with the best in the world. Over the past 18 years Steam Whistle has grown to become one of Canada’s leading premium beers enjoyed coast to coast.
As the National Sport Federation, Golf Canada operates the RBC Canadian Open, set to run July 23-29, 2018 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario, as well as the CP Women’s Open which takes place August 20-26, 2018 at Wascana Country Club in Regina, Saskatchewan.
RBC signs multi-year sponsorship deal with Dustin Johnson
Spanish Bay, CA — Today, RBC announced its newest brand ambassador – Dustin Johnson. Ranked #1 in the world and sitting 5th in all-time PGA TOUR Career earnings, Johnson is the latest high profile golfer to join Team RBC, including players Matt Kuchar, Ryder Cup Captain Jim Furyk, Brandt Snedeker and Brooke Henderson.
Johnson has had an incredible career to-date, including 17 tournament wins on the PGA TOUR, and being named 2016 PGA Player of the Year. He is also only the third player in PGA TOUR history to win a title in all of his 11 seasons since his debut.
Team RBC was established in 2009 and is now comprised of 14 elite male and female golfers who embody the pinnacle of golf performance. Along with wearing the RBC branding on his apparel and golf bag, Johnson and his RBC teammates support many of the bank’s marketing initiatives and client experiences.
In addition to being the title sponsor of the RBC Heritage and RBC Canadian Open, RBC is also proud to be the Official Banking and Financial Services partner for all Team RBC ambassadors.
Proud to be joining @RBC! pic.twitter.com/tgWBn29Yal
— Dustin Johnson (@DJohnsonPGA) February 7, 2018
Quotes:
“My goal is to be the best in the game and win as many championships as possible, and I’m grateful for RBC’s support and belief in me. I have enjoyed getting to know them better over the past few years through playing in the RBC Canadian Open. Now that my relationship with RBC has expanded to brand ambassador, I can’t wait to achieve more milestones together.”
– Dustin Johnson, PGA TOUR Golfer
“RBC is a longstanding supporter of golf and we celebrate the traditions and passion of the game. We’re proud to welcome Dustin to Team RBC as our newest ambassador. He’s an exciting player that has thrilled fans around the world and a great asset to the RBC brand.”
– Dave McKay, President and CEO, RBC
“Dustin’s unique and natural talent on the course, combined with his high caliber of play, makes him an ideal Team RBC ambassador. He shares our commitment to hard work, strength and determination – and we’re happy to have him on our team.”
– Mary DePaoli, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer, RBC
Get tickets for the 2018 RBC Canadian Open by visiting www.rbccanadianopen.com/tickets
DAZN Canada streaming service to broadcast PGA TOUR events
Starting with the opening round of the Farmers Insurance Open, leading live-streaming sports service DAZN Canada will carry live coverage of more than 30 PGA TOUR events on its expanding platform.
The one-year deal gives DAZN the rights to broadcast PGA TOUR LIVE’s early round coverage of the opening two rounds of each tournament, covering the two most compelling featured groups on the golf course. After the morning rounds are complete, coverage will switch to ‘Featured Holes’ coverage. DAZN distribution begins January 25 with the return of Tiger Woods at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course. This year’s event boasts a strong field which includes: defending champion Jon Rahm, Justin Rose, Rickie Fowler, Patrick Reed, Jason Day, Xander Schauffele, Phil Mickelson, Charley Hoffman and Canadian Adam Hadwin.
“Our sports menu in Canada continues to grow and we are excited to be offering Canadian golf fans access to some of the best golf competitions of the year,” said Alex Rice, Managing Director for Rights and Strategic Development, at DAZN. “We made a commitment to keep adding more sports in the Canadian market and we are proud to be delivering on that promise today with some top-notch PGA TOUR golf action.”
Woods’ comeback live on DAZN will take place at the course where he last won a major tournament — the 2008 U.S. Open — and where he also won the Farmers Insurance Open in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2013.
“With the ongoing evolution of PGA TOUR LIVE, we continue to look at innovative ways to spotlight and promote our players to fans in core golf markets like Canada,” said Rick Anderson, PGA TOUR Chief Media Officer. “We’re excited to partner with DAZN Canada to provide access to golf fans on their preferred platforms and in the new ways they are consuming content.”
The new partnership between DAZN and the PGA TOUR will result in hundreds of hours of live coverage from 30 PGA TOUR events streamed on the DAZN Canada platform all year long, including the RBC Canadian Open in July.
Golf fans now have a choice of subscribing directly to DAZN Canada for a monthly fee of $20/month or $150/year with one month free for new customers which includes access to PGA TOUR LIVE, all NFL games, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, FIBA Basketball among other sports properties. Canadian residents can register at www.dazn.com. Alternatively, Canadians can subscribe directly to PGA TOUR LIVE for $5.99 per month or $39.99 per year.
New RBC Canadian Open corporate hosting experiences unveiled for 2018
OAKVILLE, Ont. – Months have passed since Jhonattan Vegas bested Charley Hoffman in a playoff to become just the sixth golfer in history to successfully defend their RBC Canadian Open title. Since that final putt dropped, Golf Canada, along with partners RBC and the PGA TOUR, have been working diligently enhancing our spectator experience and corporate hospitality offerings for next year’s championship, taking place July 23-29th, 2018 at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ont.
For more than a century, the RBC Canadian Open has been one of the country’s most iconic sporting events. These new corporate hosting opportunities and fabulous viewing experiences ensure the 109th playing of the RBC Canadian Open will be an event not to be missed and that you’ll be able to host your clients in style.
The RBC Canadian Open is an opportunity to captivate guests, colleagues, or clients with a premium entertainment experience never short on drama. With live golf, anything can happen – and it usually does – and watching the story unfold is only enhanced by tremendous food and beverage services.
There are a ton of experiences to take in before arriving at your special viewing area, including the bustling Spectator Village, where, during tournament week, the Opening Ceremony will take place with legends of the sport. And, you’re not going to want to miss the return of The Rink at the 7th green.
Arguably the most popular activation at Glen Abbey, authentic hockey boards from tee to green encircle the par-3 7th. It’s the embodiment of Canadiana, and is complete with referees and a Zamboni ® ice resurfacing machine.
Once you’ve had a chance to wow your guests with the activations at Spectator Village and banged on the boards while cheering on a great shot on No. 7, it’s time to head to your viewing oasis for the week, and the RBC Canadian Open is proud to announce an all-new lineup of corporate opportunities for 2018.
Hall of Fame Club
The Hall of Fame Club is the premium hospitality product at the RBC Canadian Open. It features 50 tickets per day during competition, all-inclusive food and beverages at your suite, the ability to customize your space, and the best view of the action on the 18th hole at Glen Abbey.
Nicklaus Skybox
Named after golf’s greatest champion, the Jack Nicklaus Skybox gives you a private viewing experience beside the 18th green and down the fairway, along with the practice facilities. You’ll receive 25 tickets per day, all-inclusive food and beverages in your suite, and you can customize your box with your company’s logo.
Champions Club
The Champions Club features great sightlines down the 18th fairway and a view of the 18th green as well. You’ll receive 15 tickets per day and have a designated table with all-inclusive food and beverage service.
Cottages
Inspired by our home and native land, the cottages on No’s 16 and 18 will be your sanctuary. The Cottages on No. 18 feature 12 tickets per day, all-inclusive food and beverage and views of the 18th green and practice area. The Cottages on No. 16 feature 10 tickets per day, all-inclusive food and beverage, and views of the 16th green plus approach shots as the best in the world take on this par five and make a move late in their rounds.
18th Green Club Seats
Located behind the iconic finishing hole at Glen Abbey, Club Seats offer an incredible view of the 18th hole from your reserved seat. Club seats include four tickets per day during competition and food and beverages included with in-seat service.
Trophy Club
Enjoy an upscale hosting opportunity for smaller groups in an air-conditioned suite, and a rooftop viewing deck. You’ll get all-inclusive food and beverage and indoor & outdoor seating with views of five (5) different holes.
1904 Club
As part of our enhancements, we are excited to rename “Golf Canada House” as the “1904 Club”. This evolution reflects the long and storied history of Canada’s National Open Golf Championship first contested in 1904. Celebrate the history of the RBC Canadian Open at an upscale area located between the 16th and 17th fairways. You pick the days that suit your entertainment needs, with reserved washrooms, amazing views, and food and beverages available.
Sign up for the Championship Pro-Am!
An experience unlike any other at the RBC Canadian Open: it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to tee it up with PGA TOUR professionals. You and three colleagues, clients, or guests will play with two (2) PGA TOUR professionals (one per nine holes) and can enjoy an invitation for eight to the Draw Party – an evening not to be missed! Not only that, but Pro-Am participants also receive four (4) special gift packages and eight (8) 1904 Club passes per day, Monday-Sunday.
Click here to learn how you can join us for one of the PGA TOUR’s most fan-friendly events.
PGA TOUR and its tournaments surpass $180 million generated for charity in 2017
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida – The PGA TOUR and its tournaments generated more than $180 million for charitable causes in 2017, surpassing last year’s record amount by approximately $14 million. This total includes donations made by tournaments on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, Web.com Tour, Mackenzie Tour-PGA TOUR Canada, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica and PGA TOUR-China.
The announcement brings the all-time total generated for charity by the PGA TOUR to $2.65 billion. The TOUR surpassed $1 billion in 2005 and $2 billion at the beginning of 2014.
“The entire PGA TOUR family takes tremendous pride in the positive impact that we continue to make each year through the millions of dollars that are raised for very deserving charitable organizations,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “As we often note, beyond the sheer dollar amount, the real story is in the hundreds of thousands of lives that benefit from these contributions every year. Thank you to all of the tournaments, players, sponsors, volunteers and fans who make all of this possible.”
In 2017, five PGA TOUR events raised more than $10 million for charity – the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Valero Texas Open, DEAN & DELUCA Invitational, the John Deere Classic and the Waste Management Phoenix Open. In addition to those tournaments, the biennial Presidents Cup announced a record donation of more than $10.7 million as a result of the 2017 event held at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey.
The PGA TOUR’s flagship event, THE PLAYERS Championship, generated $8.7 million in 2017, a large portion of which benefits local children’s charities as part of the tournament’s commitment to generate $50 million for youth-related charities over 10 years. Since that commitment was made in April of 2011, $45 million has been raised toward that goal.
Six PGA TOUR Champions events generated more than $1 million to charity in 2017, with the Shaw Charity Classic leading the way at more than $6 million. Three Web.com Tour events generated more than $1 million, led by the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Invitational at more than $2.1 million.
Since coming on board as title sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open in 2008, RBC along with Golf Canada have raised $8.78 million for charitable organizations across Canada. Throughout its history, Canada’s National Open Championship has generated more than $50 million in charitable proceeds for important causes.
Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada has been the official charity of the RBC Canadian Open since 2013. The 15 Ronald McDonald Houses across Canada provide a place for out-of-town families to stay while their sick child is being treated at a nearby hospital.
Ronald McDonald Houses provide families of sick children with a home to stay at while their child is being treated at a nearby hospital. As well, Ronald McDonald Family Rooms provide a comfortable place for families to rest and recharge, right inside hospitals. And through Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles, they help to bring basic medical care to vulnerable communities. So families can stay together and kids can heal better.
Unlike other professional sports organizations, the PGA TOUR relies on more than 100,000 volunteers annually to run its tournaments, and the vast majority of its tournaments are structured as non-profit organizations designed to donate 100 percent of net proceeds to charity. Community beneficiaries include a broad range of organizations such as hospitals and shelters; youth development programs; food banks; groups that support the military and their families; organizations that support senior citizens; those that help abused women and children, and growth-of-the-game initiatives.
The PGA TOUR co-sanctions 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. Members on the PGA TOUR represent the world’s best players, hailing from 25 countries (84 members are from outside the United States). Worldwide, PGA TOUR tournaments are broadcast to more than 1 billion households in 226 countries and territories in 23 languages. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations in order to maximize charitable giving. In 2017, tournaments across all Tours generated a record of more than $180 million for local and national charitable organizations, bringing the all-time total to $2.65 billion.